MAN UNITED PLAYER REVIEWS: David de Gea and Christian Eriksen fail to make their mark as Erik ten Hag’s side suffer defeat in the FA Cup final – while Jadon Sancho has an afternoon to quickly forget against Man City at Wembley
Manchester City put themselves within reach of a historic Treble after beating rivals Man United 2-1 in the FA Cup final.
Erik ten Hag’s side came second after an intense encounter at Wembley on Saturday afternoon following a brace from German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.
The 32-year-old opened the scoring with a record goal, having scored just 12 seconds into the first half – the fastest goal in FA Cup final history.
Bruno Fernandes hit back before the break, but the German shot with his back to the front in the second half and they didn’t look back from there.
And so, here, Mail Sports Chris Wheeler provides ratings and reviews for every player in United’s side.
Manchester United were beaten 2–1 by rivals Manchester City in the 2022–23 FA Cup Final
Manchester City turned it into a domestic double by winning the Premier League title last month
DAVID DE GEA 5 – Wrong-footed for the first goal and slow to react for the second, but United kept in the game with a reflex save from Haaland
AARON WAN-BISSAKA 7 – Selected to highlight Grealish and did a good job. Even won a handball penalty against the City No.10
RAPHAEL VARANE 6.5 – Generally handled Haaland well and could have scored with a volley from close range before the break.
VICTOR LINDELOF 6 – An unconvincing header gave Gündogan a chance on the opener, but then settled the score.
LUKE SHOW 7 – Only emerged as an attacking presence in the second half. Made an essential interception to late deny Grealish.
CASEMIRO 6 – Lucky to get away unpunished with a late challenge on Akanji in the first half. Didn’t have enough impact.
Brazilian midfielder Fred braced himself, but was ultimately unable to prevent United’s defeat
FRED 6.5 – Used as the extra midfielder to try to smother City and fool themselves. Finally booked for a foul on Grealish.
BRUNO FERNANDES 6.5 – Played on the right and he is not as effective as in a central role. Cool finish from the penalty spot.
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN 5 – Got the number 10 roll, but it didn’t work this time. First player replaced by Erik ten Hag.
JADON SANCHO 4.5 – Another big chance on the big stage is begging. Didn’t really show up and substituted by Weghorst.
MARCUS RASHFORD 6 – One shot narrowly over but isolated and mostly subdued. Ended the game limping heavily.
Jadon Sancho (right) struggled to influence the game at Wembley for Manchester United
ERIK TEN HAG 6 – Tried the same tactic that worked against Pep Guardiola in the Old Trafford derby but lost to a better side.
Substitutions: Butland, Maguire, Malacia, Dalot, Weghorst (for Sancho 73, 5), Pellistri, Elanga, McTominay (for Lindelof 83, 6), Garnacho (for Eriksen 62, 6.5)
Goalscorer: Fernandes pen 33
Booked: Fred, Wan-Bissaka
Attendance: 83,179