Player Ratings: Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United (FA Cup Final) | OneFootball

Manchester City are FA Cup winners for the seventh time after defeating Manchester United at Wembley Stadium, meaning Pep Guardiola’s side will travel to Istanbul for the Champions League final next week knowing that victory would secure the treble.

In the first Manchester Derby FA Cup final, a record was broken with just 13 seconds on the clock, as Stefan Ortega’s long kick was knocked down by Erling Haaland then by Kevin de Bruyne, and City captain Ilkay Gundogan simply put his foot through it on the half-volley, flying into the net for the fastest-ever goal in a final of this competition.

It was almost a second for the boys in blue after four minutes, with de Bruyne’s looping free-kick met by Rodri, whose header rippled the side netting and had some supporters inside Wembley jumping for joy.

The Belgian attacking midfielder was at the centre of the action in the opening period, and he too came close to doubling the City advantage a little shy of the half-hour mark, driving marginally wide on his left foot.

The missed chances proved costly, as Manchester United were soon awarded a penalty – the decision was harsh at best as the ball flicked off Jack Grealish’s outstretched hand, but it was given nonetheless and Bruno Fernandes beat Stefan Ortega from the spot for 1-1.

There were cries soon after for a spot kick of City’s own, but referee Paul Tierney waved away the protestations that Fred’s block on de Bruyne’s run into the area was illegal.

It wasn’t quite as quick as the opener in the first half, but City again flew out of the blocks and broke the deadlock early in the second period, with captain Gundogan once more on hand with a volley from range, deceiving David de Gea and delighting those behind the goal.

If that sent the City fans wild, imagine the delirium when it seemed that the German had completed his hat-trick moments later; their celebrations were soon cut short by the linesman’s flag though, as “Mr Whippy” had strayed offside.

Despite a nervy ending to the match, City saw it out, ensuring that two parts of the potential treble are in the trophy cabinet and the bragging rights in Manchester once again belong to the blue half.

Starting XI

Stefan Ortega – 8

Honoured his manager’s faith in him as, despite having very few saves to make until his stop in the very last minute, he showcased his coolness in possession.

Kyle Walker – 8

Had Jadon Sancho, and any other United player who fancied their chances down his wing, absolutely sewn up.

Ruben Dias – 7.5

Kept it simple on the ball and made no mistakes in his defensive work.

Manuel Akanji – 7.5

Recovered from a shocking early challenge on him by Casemiro, looking tidy whenever he mopped up possession.

John Stones – 9

Calmness personified. Outplayed near enough every natural midfield player on the pitch.

Rodri – 8

Perhaps a season of constant gametime caught up with him towards the end, as he looked shattered. Prior to that, he was the steeliest of guardians in midfield.

Kevin de Bruyne – 8.5

Didn’t quite always make the right decision, but showcased the highest moments of individual brilliance in the game (outside of a certain German alongside him) and set up the winner.

Ilkay Gundogan – 10 (MOTM)

You don’t stop end-of-season-Gundogan. The captain, as has so often been the case in the past few months, stepped up in a huge way with two fine goals.

Bernardo Silva – 7

Played his usual role of the playmaker from wide, not having many outstanding contributions but getting through a whole load of work.

Erling Haaland – 7.5

The scoring chances which are his bread and butter weren’t flowing, but his holdup play to bully the United backline was outstanding.

Jack Grealish – 6

Couldn’t really get into the game, and when he did it wasn’t his day against Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Substitutes

Phil Foden – 6.5

Understood when to drive for a third goal and when to control affairs.

Nathan Ake – N/A

Aymeric Laporte – N/A