On Saturday, May 25, Manchester United supporters had an amazing day at Wembley as the Red Devils unexpectedly concluded their generally terrible season. In fact, despite rumours regarding Erik ten Hag’s future, his team persevered to defeat Manchester City in the FA Cup final on derby day.
Pep Guardiola’s team was the clear favourite after winning the Premier League for four straight years, but Man United had a strategy and executed it with almost flawless execution. Even though City had control early on, the team in red appeared more formidable when they advanced.
That said, the first goal was caused by a major error in the back. Josko Gvardiol and Stefan Ortega failed to communicate during some unsettling adjustments to the team’s backline, which allowed Alejandro Garnacho to break in and pass into an empty net.
Man United then extended their advantage nine minutes later, full of confidence. This time, it was an absolutely beautiful goal as Kobbie Mainoo scored the second goal with a nice passing move that included some wonderful scanning from Bruno Fernandes.
Fan Angle of Mainoo’s Stunning Goal
Supporters left in awe
The film above shows how the amazing build-up play that results in the 39th-minute strike is captured from the fan’s perspective.
The beginning of it all comes when Marcus Rashford hits an inch-perfect switch, earning a few cheers and one fan even says, “What a ball. ” What a sphere!” Fernandes is let free on the edge of the box by Garnacho’s drive forward and Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s run, leaving City’s midfielders Mateo Kovacic and Rodri horribly out of position. Mainoo gets a brilliant first-time ball from the Portuguese midfielder that is executed in a single, seamless motion.
The 19-year-old has had a rapid rise this season, going from academy prospect to England international in a matter of months, and when the ball arrived at his feet the outcome felt inevitable. Mainoo calmly stroked it past Ortega and this proved to be the vital goal of the final with Jeremy Doku later pulling one back in vain for Man City.
Even Sergio Aguero Applauded
Goal so good it could save Ten Hag
Mainoo’s goal was so good, in fact, even one of Manchester City’s greatest-ever footballers could not help but appreciate it. Sergio Aguero was streaming the match and in footage circulated on social media, the Argentine icon initially put his head in his hands before conceding that the effort was worthy of a humble round of applause.
| Kobbie Mainoo’s FA Cup Final Stats | |
|---|---|
| Minutes | 90 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Shots | 1 |
| Touches | 31 |
| Accurate passes | 21/25 (84%) |
| Dribble attempts (succ.) | 1/1 |
It was a very exceptional goal, deserving of an FA Cup victory. This will go down in the club’s history as a memorable occasion when a local boy and homegrown talent found success together. Additionally, it might keep Ten Hag employed.
After the game, the Dutchman was questioned about his future and he stated that he was working on a “project” that had already produced two trophies in two seasons. Though it’s unclear if INEOS will stick with the man in charge, what happened over the weekend has at least given them good cause to think twice.
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