Twelve months on from a heart-wrenching defeat at Wembley, Manchester United turned the tables on their fiercest rivals with a stoppage-time winner that sent their fans into raptures. On May 25, 2024, the Red Devils completed a remarkable comeback against Manchester City to lift the FA Cup for a 13th time — their first major trophy in six years — with two of their youngest stars delivering the decisive blows.
Date: 25 May 2024 · Venue: Wembley Stadium, London · Winner: Manchester United · Final Score: Manchester United 2-1 Manchester City · Competition: 2023-24 FA Cup
Quick snapshot
- Manchester United beat Manchester City 2-1 at Wembley on 25 May 2024 (The FA)
- Goals by Garnacho (30th), Mainoo (39th) for United; Doku (87th) for City (Manchester United)
- United claimed their 13th FA Cup, one behind Arsenal’s record (The FA)
- United qualified for the 2024-25 Europa League via the FA Cup win (The FA)
- The 2025 FA Cup final will return to Wembley on 17 May 2025 (The FA)
Who won the FA Cup in 2024?
Manchester United defeated Manchester City 2-1 in the 2024 FA Cup Final to claim their 13th title in the competition’s history, one behind Arsenal’s record of 14. The victory marked United’s first trophy since winning the same competition in 2016, ending a six-year wait for silverware under manager Erik ten Hag.
The Red Devils came into the final as underdogs against a City side that had wrapped up the Premier League title with weeks to spare and were chasing a domestic double. Yet United’s youthful squad produced a mature performance to upset the odds in front of a near-capacity crowd at Wembley.
Match result overview
The final score read Manchester City 1-2 Manchester United. City struck first with Jérémy Doku’s goal in the 87th minute, briefly threatening what would have been a remarkable comeback after trailing 2-0 from the first half.
Manchester United’s triumph
Bruno Fernandes captained the side and lifted the trophy in front of the United faithful, while goalkeeper Andre Onana made several crucial saves to preserve the slim lead in the closing stages. The win represented a dramatic reversal of fortune from the 2023 final, when City had beaten United 2-1 with İlkay Gündoğan’s record-fast goal after just 12 seconds.
Where is the FA Cup final in 2024?
The 2024 FA Cup Final was held at Wembley Stadium in London, England. The iconic venue has hosted the final of English football’s most prestigious cup competition since 1923, with this edition drawing 84,814 spectators to witness the historic Manchester derby showdown.
Venue details
Wembley Stadium, with a capacity of 90,000, is the largest football stadium in England and serves as the spiritual home of the FA Cup. Kick-off was scheduled for 15:00 BST on 25 May 2024.
Wembley Stadium history
The stadium’s legacy as the FA Cup final venue stretches back over a century, though the current incarnation — rebuilt in 2007 — has hosted every final since then. This marked the second consecutive year that the Manchester derby graced the Wembley turf for the cup’s showpiece event.
The upshot: Wembley drew its second-largest FA Cup Final crowd in the modern era, underscoring the rivalry’s pull and the commercial weight of a Manchester derby at the national stadium.
How did Man Utd win the FA Cup?
Manchester United’s victory was built on defensive resilience and clinical finishing in the first half, with two teenage stars delivering the goals that ultimately proved decisive. Kobbie Mainoo, just 19 years old, and Alejandro Garnacho, also 20, silenced any doubts about their big-game temperament by converting chances that many experienced professionals would struggle to convert.
Key goals and scorers
Garnacho opened the scoring in the 30th minute after a defensive mix-up from City’s goalkeeper Stefan Ortega and defender Joško Gvardiol. The young Argentine collected the loose ball and finished coolly into an empty net. Just nine minutes later, Mainoo doubled the lead with a composed strike after being played through on goal, sending the United fans behind the goal into wild celebrations.
Jérémy Doku pulled one back for City in the 87th minute with a powerful drive that gave Onana no chance. The goal set up a frantic finish, and City almost equalised in stoppage time when Erling Haaland’s header struck the crossbar. The referee blew for full-time after 90+8 minutes, sparking scenes of jubilation among the United squad.
Match timeline
The match unfolded with United controlling the first half, City dominating possession after the break, and the dramatic late goal setting up a grandstand finish. Seven minutes of second-half stoppage time were played following several injury stoppages and a VAR review.
Two teenagers scoring in an FA Cup Final is rare — the last instance of players so young finding the net in the showpiece was over a decade ago. Mainoo and Garnacho’s contributions silenced critics who questioned whether Ten Hag’s young squad could deliver on the biggest stage.
What was the final score of the 2024 FA Cup?
The final score was Manchester City 1-2 Manchester United. United led 2-0 at halftime before City’s late surge nearly forced extra time. The result represented sweet revenge for United after their 2023 final defeat, when they had fallen to a 2-1 loss against the same opponents.
Score breakdown
Manchester United opened the scoring through Garnacho in the 30th minute, with Mainoo doubling the advantage nine minutes later. City’s sole response came via Doku’s 87th-minute strike, though it proved insufficient to prevent United from lifting the trophy.
Goal scorers
Garnacho and Mainoo were the goalscorers for United, while Doku scored for City. Marcus Rashford had a goal incorrectly ruled out for offside in the first half, a decision that could have further altered the game’s trajectory.
City dominated possession for large stretches but found themselves trailing by two goals at the break. The contrast between territorial control and scoreboard reality highlighted how clinical United were when their chances arrived.
FA Cup Final 2024 key moments and stats
Beyond the headline result, the 2024 FA Cup Final produced several statistics and moments worthy of note. The match set a new record as the first consecutive final between the same two teams since 1885, while United’s trophy lifted their total to 13 — one behind Arsenal’s all-time record.
Highlights
- Two teenage scorers (Garnacho, 20; Mainoo, 19) became the youngest goalscorers in an FA Cup Final since the 1990s
- City’s possession dominance (68% vs United’s 32%) failed to translate into goals
- Seven minutes of stoppage time were played in the second half
- Julián Álvarez received a yellow card in the 90+7th minute
Player performances
- Kobbie Mainoo was named Man of the Match for his composed display and decisive goal
- Andre Onana made crucial saves in the closing stages to preserve United’s lead
- Erling Haaland hit the crossbar in the second half, City’s closest effort to an equaliser
- Bruno Fernandes captained the side and lifted the trophy
Post-match implications
The win secured United’s place in the 2024-25 Europa League, providing a crucial route back into European competition after a disappointing Premier League season. For City, the defeat ended their pursuit of a consecutive league-and-cup double, though they still finished the campaign as champions of England.
Match timeline
The match timeline captures key events in chronological order, illustrating how United built and then protected their lead.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 15:00 BST, 25 May 2024 | Kick-off at Wembley Stadium |
| 30th minute | Alejandro Garnacho scores for United (0-1) |
| 39th minute | Kobbie Mainoo scores for United (0-2) |
| Halftime | Manchester United leads 2-0 |
| Second half | Erling Haaland hits the crossbar for City |
| 87th minute | Jérémy Doku equalises for City (1-2) |
| 90+7th minute | Julián Álvarez receives yellow card |
| 90+8th minute | Full-time — United win 2-1 |
| Post-match | United lift the FA Cup trophy |
The implication: United’s first-half efficiency and City’s second-half dominance cancelled each other out, with the visitors ultimately holding firm when it mattered most.
What we know vs what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Manchester United won 2-1 on 25 May 2024 at Wembley
- Goals by Garnacho, Mainoo (United) and Doku (City)
- United’s 13th FA Cup title
- Qualification for 2024-25 Europa League secured
- Bruno Fernandes lifted the trophy as captain
- Match duration: 90+8 minutes
Rumors and gaps
- Exact attendance remains disputed across sources
- Full lineup details incomplete in several reports
- Post-match interview quotes from Ten Hag sparse
- Some sources incorrectly reference Crystal Palace beating City 1-0 — likely confusion with other matches
What they said
Manchester United pulled off a thrilling Emirates FA Cup triumph as teenage sensations Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo inspired a 2-1 win against rivals Manchester City.
— The FA (official governing body)
Manchester United have been crowned Emirates FA Cup winners for a 13th time following a 2-1 victory over Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.
Manchester United put on a sensational display to win the FA Cup with a 2-1 final victory over Manchester City on Saturday.
Some sources incorrectly reference Crystal Palace beating Manchester City 1-0, likely confusion with hypothetical or other matches.
Summary
The 2024 FA Cup Final wrote another chapter in one of English football’s greatest rivalries, with Manchester United prevailing 2-1 against Manchester City in a game that showcased the unpredictability of cup football. For Erik ten Hag’s side, the victory ended six years of hurt and delivered Europa League qualification through the back door. For City, the result was a painful reminder that domestic dominance does not guarantee cup success, even against a team they had beaten in the same fixture just 12 months earlier. The contrast between City’s patient possession football and United’s ruthless finishing will be debated for months — yet at the final whistle, only the scoreline mattered.
United must now build on this trophy and the momentum it provides, or risk this victory becoming a flashpoint rather than a turning point in the club’s trajectory.
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Frequently asked questions
What date was the FA Cup final 2024?
The 2024 FA Cup Final took place on 25 May 2024 at Wembley Stadium in London, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 BST.
Who scored in the FA Cup final 2024?
Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scored for Manchester United in the first half, while Jérémy Doku scored Manchester City’s only goal in the 87th minute.
Why did Manchester United qualify for Europe via FA Cup?
By winning the FA Cup, Manchester United secured a place in the 2024-25 Europa League. The FA Cup winner traditionally receives entry into European competition, providing United with a route back to continental football after a disappointing domestic season.
What is the history of Manchester United in FA Cup finals?
Manchester United have now won the FA Cup 13 times, one behind Arsenal’s record of 14. Their previous win came in 2016, meaning this victory ended a six-year trophy drought for the club.
Where can I watch FA Cup final 2024 highlights?
Extended highlights are available on the official FA Cup YouTube channel and the Manchester City club website. The match was broadcast live in the UK by BBC and ITV.
Who was the referee for FA Cup final 2024?
The match was officiated by a select group of Premier League referees, with the VAR team based at Stockley Park providing support throughout the encounter.
What were the lineups for FA Cup final 2024?
Manchester United’s lineup included Andre Onana in goal, with captain Bruno Fernandes leading the side. City’s goalkeeper was Stefan Ortega. Full lineups can be found in detailed match reports from ESPN and The FA’s official coverage.
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Lucy Hartley covers community affairs, civic society, local services and public life for Civic Affairs.