Former goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel bemoaned Manchester United's lack of options on the substitutes bench following their 2-1 FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday.
United found themselves a goal down with just 13 seconds on the clock after Ilkay Gundogan's explosive opener, meaning they were immediately tasked with facing an uphill struggle. However, they dragged themselves level just past the half hour mark when Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty following a VAR review.
City managed to get their noses back in front just six minutes after the half-time interval, again finding the back of the net when Gundogan crashed home his second goal of the afternoon. United applied some pressure late on, particularly through Alejandro Garnacho, but it was to no avail.
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Manager Erik ten Hag threw Wout Weghorst, Scott McTominay and Garnacho on at different junctures during the second half in an attempt to spark a moment of magic, but City remained firm to keep to their treble hopes alive. And it was a lack of suitable options on the bench that, according to Schmeichel, highlighted the gulf between the two sides.
"They looked second to everything today," Schmeichel told BBC Sport. "It is, of course, very disappointing, but I've got to be careful.
"When you look for something to change the dynamics and you see the options that Ten Hag has available to come on and change the game, that's the gulf of difference between the two squads. That came through today.
"It was interesting to see how much City's players wanted it today, they were fighting so hard for every loose ball and every scrap they could get, and they got it. In a way, United got bullied and you’ve got to ask yourself about the two goals conceded.
"The first one after 13 seconds, you've got to be more ready and, of course, the second one, the winning goal, I personally think De Gea should save that."
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