John Stones prepares a masterclass as Sancho disappears

John Stones - Getty Images/Carl Recine

Manchester City moved one step closer to a victory after netting a memorable hat-trick by beating Manchester United 2-1 in the FA Cup final thanks to Ilkay Gundogan’s brace.

The City captain entered the record books by scoring the fastest goal in FA Cup final history, crashing home with an exquisite volley after 12 seconds.

United, seeking to win both domestic cups in the same season for the first time and dash City’s hopes of emulating their own historic 1999 treble, equalized against the run of play when Bruno Fernandes netted a penalty in the 33rd minute.

But Gundogan restored City’s lead with another volley seven minutes after the break and Pep Guardiola’s side withstood late pressure to lift the trophy for the seventh time.

Mike McGrath evaluates players.

Manchester City

Looked confident with the ball at his feet after being given the green light to continue for cup competitions. Sent the wrong way for Bruno’s penalty. 6/10

Had the pace to match Sancho when they were on a run for the ball. He positioned himself well and slipped into a back three when City attacked. 7/10

Good battle with Rashford where he tried to impose himself quickly and show his rhythm over a short distance. Good presence at the back and has his head on his balls. 7/10

John Stones

Started in a flat back four at kick-off but moved forward as a defensive midfielder and was comfortable receiving the ball and turning around before starting moves. 8/10

The left-back needed to be mindful of United trying to attack City’s left and he put on a solid display, struggling with Wan-Bissaka and Bruno. 6/10

Rodrigo

Has such positional intelligence, covering opponent runs but also moving the ball quickly. Has a physical presence from set pieces and sent the header wide. 7/10

Ilkay Gundogan

It took just 13 seconds for his opener and his second end had precision to overtake De Gea. Goals aside, his assists have opened up United. 9/10

Superb set piece, which earned him an assist for Gundogan’s second goal. Ball carried forward and created for his teammates. 7/10

Pushed wide down the right and struggled to get into the game, although his positioning meant he stretched United. Good energy for his team. 6/10

Used his power to create chances and was also effective in winning the ball for his team. Difficult for United to control him. 6/10

Very unlucky from the penalty spot as there was no intention to handle the ball. Good battle with Wan-Bissaka and kept running towards him but some of his runs ended up being frustrated. 6/10

Manchester United

David De Gea

No chance with the first goal but was slow to react for the second, which grabbed two rebounds before going in. Poor with the feet and maybe bothered by a knock in the first half. 4/10

Tried to move forward as Untied made their way to the finale. Added a different dimension to United’s attacks and good one-on-one defending. 7/10

Victor Lindeloff

Hit by an end of town object during the goal celebration. His clearance went to Gundogan from the kick-off but the goal was not his fault. 6/10

Stabbed from eight yards out after a corner kick landed on him which was a huge chance. Good battle with Haaland, bar hit late. 6/10

Kept Bernardo silent on his flank but would have liked to come up the field more to join the attacks and make crosses. 6/10

Disciplined from the Brazilian as he protected his defence, then passing improved later in the game. His challenge on Akanji would have been punished under different circumstances. 6/10

Fred

Perhaps he got away with a challenge on De Bruyne in the penalty area when the Belgian overshot his challenge. I struggled to find the rhythm in the game. 5 /10

Bruno Fernandes

Took his penalty well under intense pressure and celebrated wildly. Previously guilty of losing the ball in a dangerous area. 7/10

Was slow to react to danger for the first goal. Although his set pieces were good and he was successful with his passes, he didn’t dictate the game. 4/10

Kept running at City but got stuck most of the time, even when evading initial challenges. Will have wanted more crosses. 5/10

Marcus Rashford

Was a threat to City with his run, even when it looked like lost causes and his dangerous run with the ball was one of the ways United looked to get back into the game. 6/10

Do you agree with the player ratings above? Tell us yours in the comments section below.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then get a year for just $9 with our exclusive US offer.

Leave a Comment