If people were betting on the FA Cup final, there are very few people – albeit, Man Utd die-hard fans – that would have put money on the Red Devils beating Pep Guardiola’s side. But, truth is stranger than fiction. Manchester United somehow put it all together for one last show this season, beating the infamous City side that seemed almost unbeatable in the 2023-2024 campaign.
Who knows, City could have been tired from winning the EPL and playing some of their other men who got fewer minutes this year. Or, the Red Devils could have just finally come together to boast their top starting lineup for once this year.
Whatever the reason, United winning the FA Cup has huge implications for the Europa Conference League next season. How will it impact them in 2025 and beyond?
Manchester United Shocking 2-1 Win
ARGENTINA. #MUFC || #FACup pic.twitter.com/u0H0x8rIlv
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 27, 2024
You never would have thought one, two, or three weeks ago that Manchester United would have a spot in the Europa League next year. They finished mid-table and didn’t look that great this entire season, dropping points left and right, succumbing to manager issues, players whining about playing time, and much more. So, how did this team manage to secure a berth in international football?
They beat Manchester City in the FA Cup Final. Manchester United somehow won against Pep’s side 2-1, earning a spot in the Europa League next year and directly influencing nearby Chelsea and Newcastle United in the table.
Chelsea will now have to play in the UEFA Europa Conference League for 2024-2025, a level down from the Europa League that will now have United. Although Chelsea ended up sixth in the EPL table this year, and Manchester United in 8th, the FA Cup trophy holds more weight than a sixth-place finish. Newcastle is now kicked out of European football next year due to the surprising victory of Manchester United.
Manchester United vs. City – How It Happened
The game put the entire footballing world into a state of shock. United looked lackluster and terrible all season long, whereas City had been firing on all cylinders since week one. Despite injuries and rotations within the squad, City always had an intense starting eleven, and whatever subs came on helped them to win huge games and secure first place in the Premier League.
But, they couldn’t pull out all of the stops tonight against the Red Devils.
Manchester City mustered 19 shots during the game, but only four were on frame. They had the majority of the ball, earning 74% possession, and had an incredible 90% pass accuracy. Despite dominating the game, Manchester United had five shots on frame (more than City) and managed to bury two of those chances.
The breakthrough for United came in the 30th minute with Garnacho, the Ronaldo super-fan who has come into his own as a winger for the Mancunian team. Erik Ten Hag surely could be a proud coach during his last game as a gaffer after seeing Garnacho pounce on a defensive error in the back from Gvardiol and Ortega.
Despite numerous chances, like Haaland hitting a rocket off of the crossbar and Kyle Walker trying to hit the ball on the frame from 30+ yards out, City couldn’t get more than one in the 87th minute, giving United the victory.
Ten Hag now has two pieces of silverware for United, earning the FA Cup trophy and the Carabao Cup win from the previous season. He can go out on a high note and leave United in a good place to partake in European football next season.
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
