Manchester United were unable to halt Manchester City’s tilt towards a famous treble as they were beaten 2-1 by the Citizens in the FA Cup final on Saturday. The Red Devils fell behind after just 12 seconds as Ilkay Gundogan thumped a volley into the top corner of the net but drew level just after the half hour mark as Bruno Fernandes struck from the penalty spot. City dominated in the second period and secured victory as Gundogan bagged the winner following a well-worked corner. And Express Sport rates and slates the individual performances from the Red Devils players.
David de Gea – 5
Could do nothing about Gundogan’s opening goal but should have done better with the Germany international’s second, despite seeing the ball late. The Spain international struggled with his short passing game and was keen to launch the ball upfield early on.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 7
Was one of United’s more lively players and impressed on the right side of defence. Kept Jack Grealish quiet and forced United’s penalty after heading the ball against the former Aston Villa man’s hand. Still needs to improve on the ball, however.
Raphael Varane – 6
Kept Erling Haaland quiet for much of the game, although he got turned by the Norway international in the first half moments after giving away a free-kick against the superstar. Missed a golden opportunity at the other end after the ball fell to him following a Casemiro flick on from a corner.
Victor Lindelof – 6
Defended well alongside Raphael Varane but was unable to help United shut City out as the Citizens illustrated their potency in front of goal.
Luke Shaw – 6
Covered well after Fred lost possession in his own box during the first half and looked to deliver the ball into the penalty area at the other end of the pitch.
Casemiro – 7
Arguably United’s best player on the day and stamped his authority early on with a heavy tackle on Manuel Akanji which left the City defender in a heap. Got around the pitch well, put pressure on City players and galvanised his team-mates as usual.
Fred – 5
Dilatory at times and was caught in possession on a number of occasions Was caught on the ball in his own penalty area just before half time but was saved by Shaw’s quick thinking. Was lucky not to give away a penalty after a challenge on Kevin de Bruyne moments later and was later booked following a number of bad tackles.
Christian Eriksen – 6
Struggled to get on the ball throughout the match as the City midfield dominated proceedings. Didn’t have the impact he would have liked to have had and was replaced by Alejandro Garnacho just after the hour mark.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Tried to get United moving in the right direction and kept his cool to dispatch the penalty in the first half. But was unable to be the catalyst for a United victory against the odds.
Jadon Sancho – 5
Was quiet throughout and barely got going. The winger has struggled to make an impact during his time at Old Trafford and did not save his best performance for the big occasion.
Marcus Rashford – 6
Made a few good runs throughout the match but could only direct a tame header wide in the first half. Smashed a fierce shot over the crossbar from the edge of the box in the second period and failed to light up the match.
Substitutes
Alejandro Garnacho – 8
Wout Weghorst – 6
Scott McTominay – 6
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