FA Cup Final -Manchester United’s Triumph Over City-Wembley Stadium hosted the 143rd FA Cup final, a thrilling Manchester derby where Manchester United defeated holders Manchester City 2-1 to claim their 13th title (Wikipedia). This clash, a repeat of the 2023 final, marked the first time since 1885 that the same teams met in consecutive FA Cup finals (BBC Sport). United’s victory, driven by teenage stars Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, defied expectations against a City side chasing a historic double-double (Sky Sports). As of April 15, 2025, fans still buzz about the match, with Google searches like “FA Cup final 2024 highlights” and YouTube videos (Emirates FA Cup) amassing 500,000 views (YouTube.com). United’s win secured a 2024-25 UEFA Europa League spot and a Community Shield clash (Fotmob.com).
Set against a global football landscape—Liverpool’s 73-point Premier League lead (Sofascore.com), Napoli’s Serie A charge (Aiscore.com), and Beşiktaş’s Süper Lig fight (Besiktas.com.tr)—the 2024 final captivated 85,000 at Wembley and millions worldwide (Business Standard). This article, exceeding 2,500 words, explores the match, its buildup, key moments, fan queries, and lasting impact, answering trending questions like “Who won FA Cup 2024?” and “What were the highlights?” with engaging, data-backed insights.
The Road to Wembley: Setting the Stage
Tournament Overview
The 2023-24 FA Cup, the 143rd edition of the world’s oldest football tournament, began with 640 teams in qualifying rounds on August 5, 2023 (Wikipedia). Sponsored by Emirates, it featured 124 teams in the first round proper, including 20 Premier League clubs (Thefa.com). The competition’s £22.3 million prize fund culminated in a £2 million payout for the winners (Goal.com). Manchester United, the eventual champions, entered in the third round, as did holders City (Fotmob.com). YouTube’s “FA Cup Explained” (HITC Sevens), with 200,000 views, details its knockout format (YouTube.com).
Manchester City’s Path
City, fresh off a fourth consecutive Premier League title, were favorites (Sky Sports). Their FA Cup run (Wikipedia):
Third Round: 5-0 vs. Huddersfield (Phil Foden 2, Julián Álvarez, own goal, Jérémy Doku)
Fourth Round: 1-0 at Tottenham (Nathan Aké)
Fifth Round: 6-2 at Luton (Erling Haaland 5, Mateo Kovačić)
Quarter-Final: 2-0 vs. Newcastle (Bernardo Silva 2)
Semi-Final: 1-0 vs. Chelsea (Silva)
City’s 17 goals showcased depth, but a 2-0 Champions League loss to Real Madrid hinted at cracks (Sofascore.com). X posts (@ManCity) boasted Haaland’s form (X.com).
Manchester United’s Journey
United, finishing eighth in the Premier League—their lowest since 1992—faced scrutiny (BBC Sport). Their path (Fotmob.com):
Third Round: 2-0 at Wigan (Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes)
Fourth Round: 4-2 at Newport (Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Antony, Rasmus Højlund)
Fifth Round: 1-0 at Nottingham Forest (Casemiro)
Quarter-Final: 4-3 vs. Liverpool (Scott McTominay, Antony, Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo)
Semi-Final: 3-3 (4-2 pens) vs. Coventry (McTominay, Harry Maguire, Fernandes)
The Liverpool thriller, a 120-minute epic, was United’s peak (ESPN.com). Reddit (r/soccer) praised their grit, with 1,500 upvotes (Reddit.com).
Pre-Match Hype
The final, a rematch of City’s 2-1 2023 win, fueled debate (Sky Sports). City, unbeaten in 35 games, were tipped to become the first team to win consecutive league-cup doubles (Wikipedia). United, under Erik ten Hag, faced rumors of his sacking (BBC Sport). Google’s “FA Cup final 2024 odds” spiked, with City at 1.33 and United at 7.0 (Google Trends). YouTube’s “City vs. United Preview” (Football Daily), with 300,000 views, predicted a City rout (YouTube.com).
The Final: Match Breakdown
Kick-Off and Atmosphere
On May 25, 2024, at 3:00 PM BST, 85,000 fans filled Wembley under clear skies (Wikipedia). The Metropolitan Police ensured a 10:00 AM ET start for global viewers (USAToday.com). BBC One, ITV1, and ESPN+ broadcast live, with Gary Lineker and Mark Pougatch leading coverage (BBC Sport). United fans chanted “Glory Glory,” while City’s “Blue Moon” echoed (YouTube.com). X posts (@EmiratesFACup) captured the roar (X.com).
First Half: United’s Shock Lead
United stunned City early (Sofascore.com):
30th Minute: Garnacho capitalized on a mix-up between Stefan Ortega and Josko Gvardiol, slotting into an empty net (1-0). His 71% shot accuracy shone (Fotmob.com).
39th Minute: Mainoo curled a 20-yard strike after a one-two with Rashford, becoming the first teenager to score in the final since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2004 (2-0) (BBC Sport). His 8.9 rating earned man-of-the-match (Sofascore.com).
City’s 62% possession yielded no shots on target, with Haaland’s header saved by André Onana (ESPN.com). YouTube’s “Garnacho Goal” (RL_Comps), with 400,000 views, went viral (YouTube.com). Reddit (r/soccer) lauded United’s press, with 2,000 votes (Reddit.com).
Second Half: City’s Fightback
City pushed after halftime (Fotmob.com):
55th Minute: Foden’s volley was tipped over by Onana, who made 5 saves (Sofascore.com).
87th Minute: Doku’s low 18-yard shot slipped past Onana, sparking a frenzy (2-1) (Business Standard). His 7.8 rating led City (Fotmob.com).
United’s defense, led by Lisandro Martínez’s 7 blocks, held firm (Sofascore.com). Álvarez’s late miss sealed City’s fate (ESPN.com). X posts (@ManUtd) celebrated “starboys” Garnacho and Mainoo (X.com).
Final Whistle: United’s Glory
At 4:55 PM, referee Andrew Madley blew the whistle, confirming United’s 2-1 win (Wikipedia). United’s 13th FA Cup title moved them one behind Arsenal’s 14 (BBC Sport). City’s Rodri ended a 74-game unbeaten streak (Sky Sports). YouTube’s “FA Cup Final Highlights” (Emirates FA Cup), with 600,000 views, showcased United’s upset (YouTube.com).
Key Moments and Performances
Teenage Heroes
Garnacho (19) and Mainoo (19) became the first teenagers to score in an FA Cup final since 2004 (BBC Sport). Garnacho’s 7.7 rating and Mainoo’s 8.9 reflected their impact (Sofascore.com). X posts (@EmiratesFACup) shared ten Hag’s praise (X.com). Reddit (r/soccer) tipped Mainoo for England’s Euros squad (Reddit.com).
City’s Tactical Flop
Pep Guardiola admitted his “game plan wasn’t good” (Wikipedia). City’s 19 shots produced 1.4 xG, with Haaland’s 0.3 xG a low (Fotmob.com). YouTube’s “Guardiola Reaction” (The Kick Off), with 250,000 views, analyzed his 4-2-3-1 error (YouTube.com).
United’s Defensive Grit
Martínez and Raphaël Varane’s 12 clearances thwarted City (Sofascore.com). Onana’s 5 saves, despite Doku’s goal, earned 7.5 (Fotmob.com). X posts (@ManUtd) hailed Martínez (X.com).
Post-Match Fallout
United’s Rewards
United’s win secured (Wikipedia):
UEFA Europa League: A league phase spot for 2024-25 (UEFA.com).
Community Shield: A clash vs. City on August 10, 2024, which City won 7-6 on penalties (ESPN.com).
Pride Restored: United became the lowest-ranked team to win since Arsenal in 2020 (Wikipedia).
Mainoo called it “an amazing moment” (BBC Sport). YouTube’s “United Celebrations” (Football Daily), with 200,000 views, showed ten Hag’s relief (YouTube.com).
City’s Missed History
City aimed to be the first to win consecutive doubles and retain the FA Cup since Arsenal in 2015 (Sky Sports). Their loss, coupled with a Champions League exit, stung (Fotmob.com). X posts (@ManCity) noted Foden’s effort (X.com). Reddit (r/soccer) debated Guardiola’s tactics (Reddit.com).
Ten Hag’s Future
Despite rumors of his sacking, ten Hag stayed until November 2024, when Rúben Amorim replaced him (BBC Sport). The win bought time, per Sky Sports. YouTube’s “Ten Hag Interview” (HITC Sevens) has 180,000 views (YouTube.com).
Who Won the FA Cup Final 2024?”
Manchester United beat Manchester City 2-1 on May 25, 2024 (Wikipedia). Google’s “FA Cup winner 2024” spikes (Google Trends). YouTube’s “United Victory” (RL_Comps), with 500,000 views, confirms it (YouTube.com).
“What Were the Highlights of FA Cup Final 2024?”
Key moments (Sofascore.com):
Garnacho’s 30th-minute opener
Mainoo’s 39th-minute curler
Doku’s 87th-minute reply
Onana’s saves, Martínez’s blocks
YouTube’s “Final Highlights” (Emirates FA Cup) details each goal (YouTube.com). X posts (@ESPNFC) shared Doku’s strike (X.com).
“Who Scored in the FA Cup Final?”
United’s goals came from Garnacho and Mainoo; City’s from Doku (Fotmob.com). Google’s “FA Cup scorers” trends (Google Trends). Reddit (r/soccer) praised Mainoo (Reddit.com).
“Where Can I Watch FA Cup Final 2024?”
The match aired on BBC One, ITV1, and ESPN+ (BBC Sport). Highlights are on YouTube (Emirates FA Cup) and BBC iPlayer (BBC.co.uk). X posts (@EmiratesFACup) linked clips (X.com).
“Why Did United Win?”
United’s press, led by Sofyan Amrabat’s 8 tackles, and City’s errors, like Gvardiol’s gaffe, were key (Sofascore.com). YouTube’s “Tactical Analysis” (The Football Terrace), with 220,000 views, credits ten Hag (YouTube.com).
Broadcasting and Global Reach
TV and Streaming
The final reached millions (Wikipedia):
UK: BBC One (Gary Lineker, Wayne Rooney), ITV1 (Mark Pougatch, Roy Keane)
US: ESPN+ (10:00 AM ET)
Global: SonyLIV (India), SuperSport (Africa)
Commentators Guy Mowbray (BBC) and Sam Matterface (ITV) led coverage (BBC Sport). YouTube’s “BBC Highlights” (BBC Sport), with 300,000 views, is free (YouTube.com).
Radio and Online
BBC Radio 5 Live and Talksport provided live commentary (Wikipedia). BBC Sport’s website offered text updates (BBC.co.uk). X posts (@BBCSport) shared real-time stats (X.com).
Viewership Impact
The final drew 15 million UK viewers, per Sky Sports. ESPN+ reported a US peak (ESPN.com). Reddit (r/soccer) noted global watch parties (Reddit.com).
Historical and Cultural Significance
Derby Rivalry
The second City-United final, and first consecutive matchup since 1885, deepened their rivalry (Wikipedia). United’s 13 titles trail only Arsenal (BBC Sport). YouTube’s “Derby History” (HITC Sevens) has 150,000 views (YouTube.com).
United’s Revival
United’s eighth-place finish made them underdogs (Sofascore.com). Their win echoed 1990, when an FA Cup saved Alex Ferguson (Sky Sports). X posts (@ManUtd) celebrated “togetherness” (X.com).
City’s Stumble
City’s loss ended a double dream, their first final defeat since 2021 (Fotmob.com). Reddit (r/soccer) saw it as a wake-up (Reddit.com).
Tactical Analysis
United’s Setup
Ten Hag’s 4-2-2-2 (Theanalyst.com):
Goalkeeper: Onana
Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martínez, Diogo Dalot
Midfielders: Amrabat, Mainoo, McTominay, Fernandes
Forwards: Garnacho, Rashford
United’s 42% possession leaned on counters, with 2.1 xG (Fotmob.com). YouTube’s “United Tactics” (The Kick Off) praised Amrabat (YouTube.com).
City’s Approach
Guardiola’s 4-2-3-1 (Sofascore.com):
Goalkeeper: Ortega
Defenders: Kyle Walker, John Stones, Gvardiol, Aké
Midfielders: Rodri, Kovačić, Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Foden
Forward: Haaland
City’s 73 passes into the final third failed, with 0.8 xG (Fotmob.com). X posts (@ManCity) noted De Bruyne’s 6.9 rating (X.com).
Fan Sentiment and Social Media
United’s Joy
United fans flooded Wembley, with 40,000 chanting (Sofascore.com). X posts (@ManUtd): “Starboys shine!” (X.com). Reddit (r/soccer) shared Garnacho memes (Reddit.com).
City’s Frustration
City’s 45,000 supporters left deflated (Fotmob.com). X posts (@ManCity): “We’ll be back” (X.com). YouTube’s “City Reaction” (Football Daily) has 200,000 views (YouTube.com).
Global Buzz
May 25: @ESPNFC: “Doku pulls one back!” (X.com)
May 25: @BBCSport: “United win!” (X.com)
May 26: @EmiratesFACup: “Mainoo’s moment” (X.com)
Reddit (r/soccer) logged 10,000 comments (Reddit.com).
Football Context: 2024’s Landscape
Premier League Contrast
City’s 91 points dwarfed United’s 60 (Sofascore.com). Liverpool’s 2024-25 lead mirrors City’s past dominance (Fotmob.com). YouTube’s “Premier League 2024” (HITC Sevens) contrasts finals (YouTube.com).
European Stage
United’s Europa League spot contrasts City’s Champions League (UEFA.com). X posts (@EuropeanFooty) noted United’s return (X.com).
Global Picture
Napoli’s 53 Serie A points (Sofascore.com), PAOK’s Greek fight (Aiscore.com), and FCSB’s Liga I lead (Fotmob.com) frame United’s upset as a global shock (Reddit.com).
Legacy and Looking Ahead
United’s Boost
The win sparked hope, though United’s 2024-25 struggles led to ten Hag’s exit (BBC Sport). Mainoo and Garnacho are now stars (Sofascore.com). YouTube’s “United Future” (The Football Terrace) sees growth (YouTube.com).
City’s Resolve
City’s 2024-25 title chase continues, with 66 points (Sofascore.com). X posts (@ManCity) vow revenge (X.com).
FA Cup 2024-25
United exited in the fifth round vs. Fulham (Wikipedia). The final, set for May 17, 2025, features Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester City (Thefa.com). Reddit (r/soccer) tips Villa (Reddit.com).
A Derby for the Ages
The 2024 FA Cup final—Manchester United’s 2-1 upset over City—etched Garnacho and Mainoo into history (Wikipedia). Answering Google’s “Who won FA Cup 2024?” with “United” and YouTube’s “What happened?” with “Teenage magic,” this 2,512-word guide captures a Wembley classic. With highlights on BBC and ESPN+ (BBC.co.uk), fans relive United’s 13th title. As City chase 2025 glory and United rebuild (Sofascore.com), the final endures. Will another derby define the FA Cup? Football waits.
Sources: Wikipedia, BBC Sport, Sky Sports, Sofascore.com, Fotmob.com, Aiscore.com, ESPN.com, USAToday.com, Business Standard, Thefa.com, Goal.com, UEFA.com, Theanalyst.com, YouTube.com, X.com, Reddit.com, Google Trends, NBC Sports
Faqs
When and where was the 2024 FA Cup Final played?
The final took place on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Wembley Stadium in London, with a kickoff time of 3:00 PM BST, a change from the traditional 5:30 PM start to accommodate police advice and reduce potential crowd issues talkSPORT.
Which teams competed in the final?
The final was a Manchester derby, featuring Manchester City and Manchester United. It marked the second consecutive year these teams met in the final, a first since 1885 Wikipedia.
What was the final score?
Manchester United won 2–1, with goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. Jérémy Doku scored for Manchester City .Sporting News+2Reuters+2Wikipedia+2Head Topics+6Wikipedia+6Reuters+6
Who was named Man of the Match?
Kobbie Mainoo was awarded Man of the Match for his standout performance and decisive goal .FourFourTwo+3Wikipedia+3Reuters+3
What was the attendance at the match?
The match drew a crowd of 84,814 spectators Wikipedia.
What were the key moments in the match?
Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoring in the 30th minute after a defensive mix-up by City.
Kobbie Mainoo doubled United’s lead in the 39th minute with a well-executed team goal.
Jérémy Doku pulled one back for City in the 87th minute, but United held on to secure victory Wikipedia.
What were the routes to the final for both teams?
Manchester City progressed through:
3rd Round: 5–0 vs Huddersfield Town
4th Round: 1–0 vs Tottenham Hotspur
5th Round: 6–2 vs Luton Town
Quarter-finals: 2–0 vs Newcastle United
Semi-finals: 1–0 vs Chelsea
Manchester United advanced by:
3rd Round: 2–0 vs Wigan Athletic
4th Round: 4–2 vs Newport County
5th Round: 1–0 vs Nottingham Forest
Quarter-finals: 4–3 (a.e.t.) vs Liverpool
Semi-finals: 3–3 draw, won 4–2 on penalties vs Coventry City Wikipedia.
What did the victory mean for Manchester United?
The win secured Manchester United’s 13th FA Cup title and qualified them for the 2024–25 UEFA Europa League. Additionally, they earned a spot in the 2024 FA Community Shield against Manchester City .Reuters+2Wikipedia+2Sporting News+2
What was the significance of this victory for Erik ten Hag?
Erik ten Hag became the first Manchester United manager to win trophies in consecutive seasons since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. Despite finishing 8th in the Premier League, the FA Cup triumph was a significant achievement .
Where can I watch the full match highlights?
Full match highlights are available on platforms like BBC Sport and YouTube, offering comprehensive coverage of the game.
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