Kickoff chronicles

Manchester City vs Manchester United 

The 2024 FA Cup was a highly anticipated encounter with the two biggest clubs from Manchester going at it again for the second time running in a game for arguably one of the most desired trophies in world football. Manchester City were fresh off winning the Premier League a week ago. Manchester United had just ended what was possibly their worst ever Premier League campaign, but knew if they won today, European football would be back on the cards as they only managed to finish 8th. 

1st Half

United got off to an ideal start inside half an hour when one of their brightest sparks in a somewhat depressing season found them the opener. Diogo Dalot played a lofted ball over the Manchester City defence for Alejandro Garnacho to chase. Josko Grvardiol was always favourite to win the header against Garnacho, but what the Croatian defender didn’t realise was how far out his keeper Stefan Ortega was. His header was too high for the German keeper to catch and lobbed him, falling right into the path of Garnacho who tapped it into an uncontested net. Minutes later United made it 0-2 when Marcus Rashford’s switch ball from the left found Garnacho on the right wing. The Argentinian played it to Bruno Fernandes who found Kobbie Mainoo inside the penalty area with a neat first time pass. The English midfielder hit the ball first time and calmly placed it into the bottom right corner, doubling the Red’s advantage. The first half finished 0-2 with Manchester City needing a big change if they were to spark a second half comeback.

2nd Half

10 minutes into the second period, City came so close to halving the deficit when their top scorer this season, Erling Haaland, rattled the upright. It came from a brilliant run down the left wing from Jeremy Doku who played a ball across the United penalty area. It wasn’t cleared and rolled all the way to the big Norwegian. Haaland leant back as he struck the ball watching it rise and hitting the underside of the crossbar. United could have been punished in the 75th minute after Mainoo wrestled down Haaland in the penalty area. Referee Andy Madley thought there wasn’t enough contact though and let the play continue, proving for a controversial call. City finally found their first goal of the game, but it may have come too late, in the 87th minute. Phil Foden found Doku on the left side of the United penalty area with plenty of space. The Belgian cut around and drilled a shot at the goal. It crept in at the near post, with Andre Onana left embarrassed as he got a hand to it but the Cameroonian was too weak as it found the back of the net. The Red Devils were strong for the last 3 minutes plus stoppage time and they held out for a well deserved win. Manchester United and Erik Ten Hag pick up their second trophy in as many years, this one proving a season saver as they will now be playing Europa League football in the 2024/2025 season. The result also means Chelsea will be forced into playing in the Conference League and Newcastle miss out on all competitions. From a City fan point of view, some will feel underwhelmed as they were not able to complete  a domestic double, a big drop off after they won the treble last season. United fans will feel hopeful for next season though, ending things on a very high note. This game also proved there is still the magic of the cup, United putting in a stellar performance to claim their 13th ever FA Cup.

Written by Ollie Wade