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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Jacob Steinberg at Wembley

Manchester City 1-2 Manchester United: FA Cup final player ratings

Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo celebrates making it 2-0 in the FA Cup final
Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo celebrates making it 2-0 in the FA Cup final. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Observer

Manchester City

Stefan Ortega

Ederson’s deputy looked shaky and bad communication resulted in the holders falling behind. No chance with the decisive second goal. 4

Kyle Walker

The captain dominated the early duels with Rashford but he was out of position when Mainoo’s finish left City up against it. 6

John Stones

The defender started after a long spell on the margins but he was off the boil. Uncomfortable against United’s counterattack. 4

Nathan Aké

Pep Guardiola will wonder if he should have started Manuel Akanji or Rúben Dias instead of the Dutchman. Aké looked nervy. 5

Josko Gvardiol

The Croatian struggled against Garnacho’s speed, offered little in the final third and was badly at fault for the opening goal. 4

Rodri

Normally the man for the big occasion, the Spaniard lacked his usual authority in midfield. Tried to score from the halfway line. 5

Mateo Kovacic

The selection of the Croatian midfielder was a mistake by Guardiola, who brought him off at half-time. It made City too slow. 4

Bernardo Silva

The Portuguese could not find space on the right side for the holders. Wanted to move inside but when he did left City short of width. 6

Kevin De Bruyne

Final act was an overhit cross. He was swiftly replaced after a strangely muted display. Nothing came off for the Belgian. 4

Phil Foden

The England international moved all over the pitch and kept trying to force the issue but could not produce a telling final ball. 6

Erling Haaland

The Premier League top scorer was underwhelming. Hit the bar as City attempted to fight back. But United’s defenders dealt with him well. 6

Substitutes

Jérémy Doku (Kovacic ht) The winger was dangerous after his half-time introduction. Deserved his goal but it came too late. 8

Manuel Akanji (Aké ht) City looked more settled at the back with him on for Aké. 6

Julián Álvarez (De Bruyne 56) Bright after replacing De Bruyne but missed two great chances. 6

Manchester United

André Onana

Two important stops from Walker in the second half. But he was shaky at crosses and should have saved Doku’s goal. 7

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

He had far more to worry about once Doku was on. Wan-Bissaka battled to stop the Belgian from changing the game. 8

Raphaël Varane

His experience of winning World Cup and Champions League finals helped. Varane rolled back the years in his final appearance for United. 8

Lisandro Martínez

Having the Argentinian fit made a huge difference. United were far more secure at the back. Martínez would exit with cramp. 8

Diogo Dalot

His hopeful up-and-under made the opener. Defensively assured. Repelled everything that City threw at him and was also tenacious in attack. 8

Sofyan Amrabat

The Moroccan’s best game for United? He snapped into challenges, held his positioning and denied City room. Casemiro? Not missed. 8

Kobbie Mainoo

The teenager saved United with a crucial saving challenge when the game was goalless. Stayed composed to make it 2-0. 9

Alejandro Garnacho

A constant threat on the right. Shot at Ortega early on and persistence brought him his goal. Involved in United’s second. 9

Scott McTominay

The Scot was not the most technical player on the pitch. But he was energetic in his advanced role. Erik ten Hag’s plan worked. 8

Marcus Rashford

Omitted from England’s Euro 2024 squad, he was frustrating at first. But he played a key role in the second goal and his speed unnerved City. 7

Bruno Fernandes

United’s captain caused problems in his role as a false 9. Dropped deep to elude his markers and made Mainoo’s goal with a deft pass. 9

Substitutes

Jonny Evans (Martínez 73) Came on to hold the fort after Martínez’s withdrawal. 6

Rasmus Højlund (Rashford 74) Eager after replacing Rashford as the minutes ticked away. 6

Mason Mount (McTominay 90) N/A

Victor Lindelöf (Garnacho 90) N/A

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