Man City 2-1 Man Utd: Player ratings as Ilkay Gundogan sets up treble finish
Manchester City wrapped up the second leg of their historic treble chase with a 2-1 win over neighbours Manchester United in a historic FA Cup final this afternoon.
This first-ever all-Manchester showdown at the home of English football held so much intrigue with Pep Guardiola’s men seeking to maintain an unprecedented treble push which the Red Devils famously achieved over two decades ago. In turn, United’s present crop were aiming to complete a rare domestic double of their own, while preserving their forefather’s legacy.
Both starting captains got on the scoresheet, which had never been done before, with a brace from Ilkay Gundogan coming either side of a Bruno Fernandes converted penalty. Gundogan’s first was the fastest in FA Cup final history and the German international was even denied becoming the first hat-trick hero since Stan Mortensen.
“It’s one game from immortality for these Manchester City boys. The fans of Manchester City football club will remember them for years to come. They are on the verge of an incredible achievement,” BBC Sport pundit Alan Shearer said.
Now they’ve done the first part, Inter Milan now stands in the way of City joining an exclusive club, and this current set of players being forever immortalised.
In the meantime here’s how the players rated at Wembley:
Man City
Stefan Ortega – 6.5 – Some were calling for Ederson to start but Guardiola retained faith in his second goalkeeper and the German was unlucky not to keep another clean sheet.
Kyle Walker – 7.5 – There was a moment in the second half when Guardiola was on his knees furious after Walker gave away possession. The full-back was nonetheless excellent throughout.
Ruben Dias – 7 – Could have bagged himself an FA Cup final goal otherwise it was another composed showing for City’s rock in defence.
Manuel Akanji – 6.5 – Given the plethora of possession his side enjoyed Akanji often found himself in midfield which he seemed to enjoy.
John Stones – 9 – Felt at home in midfield with another understated performance. You can make the argument he’s fast becoming among City’s most important players.
Rodri – 7.5 – City’s metronome was somewhat off the pace but nothing United could pounce on and take advantage of.
Bernardo Silva – 7 – He was excellent in this role against Real Madrid recently but never really showcased that display on the Wembley pitch.
Kevin De Bruyne – 8.5 – Untouchable in the sense no one wearing red could get anywhere near the Belgian playmaker when in full flight.
Ilkay Gundogan – 9.5 – He’s stepped up with important goals at the end of the season and Gundogan did it again. His stunning effort to break the deadlock clocked in as the fastest-ever FA Cup final goal (12 seconds). His second which restored City’s lead came six minutes after the break. If this proves to be his final domestic game in a City jersey, what a way to bow out.
Jack Grealish – 6 – Unfortunate to have conceded a penalty when the ball flicked his hand after contesting with Wan-Bissaka in the air. This was far from his best in a City jersey, will be looking to make amends in Istanbul a week from now
Erling Haaland – 7 – His off-the-ball work shone on this occasion. Haaland’s ability to hold the ball up gave City another dimension which United simply couldn’t deal with.
Substitutes:
Phil Foden (for De Bruyne 76) – N/A – A late sub.
Nathan Ake (for Grealish 89) – N/A – A late sub.
Aymeric Laporte (for Walker 90+4) – N/A – A late sub.
Sky Bet offer: How to get £30 in free bets from a 5p wager
Not signed up to Sky Bet yet? The bookmaker has arguably the most generous welcome offers we know about. Eligible new customers get £30 in free bets when they sign up and place any qualifying bet of 5p or more.
- Sign up at Sky Bet using this link
- Place any qualifying bet of 5p or more
- Claim your £30 bonus
NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. FIRST SINGLE & E/W BET ONLY. 5P MINIMUM STAKE. ODDS OF 1/1 OR GREATER. 3 X £10 BET TOKENS. FREE BET STAKES NOT INCLUDED IN RETURNS. FREE BETS EXCLUDE VIRTUALS. FREE BETS ARE NON WITHDRAWABLE. FREE BETS EXPIRE AFTER 30 DAYS. ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS AND FURTHER T&CS APPLY. 18+. GambleAware.ORG
Man Utd
David De Gea – 4.5 – Motionless as Gundogan’s 12th-second effort flew past him. He was again rooted on the spot when Rodri sent a header just wide from a free kick minutes later. He could have done better for Gundogan’s second.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 5 – First player to enter Paul Tierney’s book after lunging wildly and missing the ball before clipping Grealish with his trailing leg.
Raphael Varane – 5.5 – Sent an effort wide before the break. His wealth of experience was much needed as soon as City grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck. He almost scrambled in a 92nd-minute equaliser to force extra-time.
Victor Lindelof – 5 – Kept on his toes by Haaland and was somewhat at fault in City’s opener by letting the ball bounce before attempting to head it away.
Luke Shaw – 5.5 – Kept busy down United’s left flank meaning he seldom crossed into City’s half to cause havoc.
Casemiro – 5 – Somehow escaped punishment after going over the top and catching Akanji in the 12th minute.
Christian Eriksen – 3 – Anonymous would be an understatement. Eriksen, who normally dictates the proceedings, was a passenger in United’s midfield.
Fred – 4.5 – Brought in to add some defensive bite to United’s midfield but often found himself being overrun. Conceded a needless free-kick which led to City restoring their lead. Ended the game with a deserved yellow game.
Bruno Fernandes – 6.5 – Calm as you like as his converted spot-kick got United back into a game that looked in danger of running away from them.
Marcus Rashford – 6 – Felt isolated and was feeding on scraps. His first real effort came in the 69th minute when a shot from distance went over Ortega’s goal.
Jadon Sancho – 4 – Has yet to produce a marquee performance in a United jersey, and it never felt like happening today.
Substitutes:
Alejandro Garnacho (for Eriksen 62) – 5 – Saw a late effort go wide.
Wout Weghorst (for Sancho 78) – N/A – A late sub.
Scott McTominay (for Lindelof 83) – N/A – A late sub.
