Manchester United pulled off a stunning upset in the FA Cup final, defeating rivals Manchester City to claim the trophy. The victory came at a crucial time for United, as there have been rumors that manager Erik ten Hag may be on his way out. However, his tactical approach in this match was spot-on.
Ten Hag opted for a 4-2-2-2 formation, which had proven successful in United’s recent league matches. The defensive pairing of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane held strong, while Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho provided width on the wings. Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes operated as split strikers, with the intention of containing City and hitting them on the counter.
United’s out-of-possession shape was compact and resilient, eliminating the “big gap” that City’s analysts had identified. When United lost the ball, they quickly counter-pressed to regain possession before retreating into their defensive shell. Ten Hag’s team was confident in their ability to nullify City’s attacking threats, particularly Erling Haaland.
The first goal came from a mistake by City defender Josko Gvardiol, who mishandled a header back to his goalkeeper. Garnacho pounced on the opportunity and slotted the ball into the net. United doubled their lead with a well-worked team goal, involving intricate passing and a composed finish from Kobbie Mainoo.
United’s game plan of exploiting City’s high defensive line paid off. Rashford and Garnacho consistently found space behind City’s backline, causing problems for their opponents. Despite City’s dominance in possession during the second half, United remained a threat on the counter-attack.
Guardiola made changes at halftime, introducing Jeremy Doku to inject pace and danger into City’s attack. However, United held firm and limited City’s chances until Doku scored a late consolation goal. Overall, United’s performance was a testament to Ten Hag’s tactical approach and the players’ execution.
Guardiola acknowledged United’s ability to play on the counter-attack but praised his team’s overall performance, considering it was a final. He highlighted the missed opportunities, particularly a chance from Julian Alvarez that could have changed the game.
Ten Hag, on the other hand, commended his team for their strong performance and adherence to their playing identity. He acknowledged that injuries and absences had affected United’s season but expressed optimism about the team’s progress. When asked about his future, Ten Hag remained focused on developing the team and improving their position.
In conclusion, Manchester United’s FA Cup triumph was a result of Ten Hag’s tactical acumen and the players’ execution. Their ability to exploit City’s high defensive line and execute quick counter-attacks proved decisive. Despite rumors surrounding Ten Hag’s future, he remains committed to the project and believes there is still room for improvement.