Manchester City suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester United in final of the 2024 FA Cup.
The Blues could have made history by becoming the first team in English football history to record consecutive doubles, but a stodgy, and uncharacteristically disjointed display meant City’s old rivals claimed the famous, old trophy, and ended a horrendous campaign with silverware.
Two teenagers Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo grabbed the decisive goals, and despite a late mistake from Andre Onana that gifted Jeremy Doku a goal, United held on to secure a famous victory.
City, fresh from winning the league last week, weren’t the usual fluid and oppressive unit that has been on show over recent weeks. Pep Guardiola opted to start John Stones and Nathan Ake at the heart of defence, while first-choice goalkeeper Ederson missed out through injury.
There was definite lack of familiarity among the back five and on several occasions in the opening half an hour City had to scramble to make last-ditch tackles or interceptions. Garnahco had the only real chance inside the first 30 minutes, when he shot straight at Stefan Ortega.
But the goalkeeper was nowhere to be found as United’s no.17 tapped in to net the opening goal after 30 minutes. Ortega came flying out of his goal to deal with a long ball downfield, only for Josko Gvardiol to loop his header over the City keeper and into the path of Garnacho.
If City were rocked by that, they were floored when Mainoo made it 2-0 before the break. Marcus Rashford’s switch of play picked out Garnacho, who drove inside and found Bruno Fernandes. His no-look pass teed up Mainoo to coolly slot past Ortega - a dream ending to a magnificent debut campaign for the boyhood red from Stockport.
City only tested Andre Onana once in the first period when Bernardo Silva’s effort from range was comfortably collected. The United stopper could do nothing after 54 minutes when Erling Haaland arced a shot towards the top corner - but unfortunately it crashed off the crossbar.
United, who have so often this season been cut open at will, were defensively resolute. City couldn’t find a way through. Twice Kyle Walker tested Onana from range, while Julian Alvarez failed to get his feet sorted in time in the 64th minute and poked an effort wide.
It wasn’t all one-way traffic; Diogo Dalot fired off target and Garnacho was denied a second as the game entered the final 20 minutes. Sir Alex Ferguson, watching from the stands, nervously checked his watch, and there was time for a late goal at Wembley.
Doku was City’s star performer on a drab day. He cut inside and fired at Onana’s near post - not for the first time this season it squeezed through the keeper’s palms.
Soon after, seven minutes of added-on time were held up, but City couldn’t fashion a late opening. United and Erik ten Hag held on. The Dutchman’s big exit scuppering City’s chance for another slice of history.
Here’s how we rated the player...

1. Stefan Ortega- 5
Came flying out of his goal which resulted in United's first goal of the game. Ortega did make a good early stop to deny Garnacho, however.

2. Kyle Walker- 6
Won his individual duel with Rashford and was probably City's best defender at Wembley. He also had three decent shots from distance in the second period.

3. John Stones- 5
Made some decent interceptions and blocks, but still didn't carry any air of confidence at centre-back for City.

4. Nathan Ake- 4 (off 46)
Hauled off at half-time, the Dutchman had an afternoon to forget and had a few awkward touches on the ball.