Pep Guardiola reacted after his side lost the FA Cup to Man United

Manchester City failed to defend their FA Cup title this season, when they met Manchester United again in the final, City feigned to admit defeat with a score of 1-2. On Saturday, 25 May 2024, the 2023/2024 FA Cup final duel brought together two Manchester sides at Wembley Stadium. The match was fierce, this time United managed to avenge last season's defeat with a 2-1 win.

Man City appeared dominant, but Man United's defense played very neatly, the Red Devils clinched two goals first through the actions of Alejandro Garnacho (30') and Kobbie Mainoo (39'). Man City then responded in the second half, but could only reduce the deficit through Jeremy Doku's goal in the 87th minute. Man United then maintained its lead well for the remainder of the match. The 2-1 score led Man United to become champions of the FA Cup 2023/2024, as well as stopping Man City's efforts to set a record for consecutive champions.

The defeat to United was bad for Man City, the FA Cup would be an important trophy for The Citizens who failed in the Champions League and Carabao Cup, but this season they are just settled with the Premier League trophy. Pep Guardiola also admitted that Man United fought back very well in the final. "I think my tactics in the first half were not good enough. We played much better in the second half, more intense," said Guardiola. "Of course, our game was different because we were 2-0 down and in situations like that you play more freely and more bravely."

The match was indeed interesting, exceeding expectations. Man City, which was predicted to win easily, actually had difficulty facing United's intensity. "The match was tight, we gave the first goal away and for the second goal, we didn't defend well in their counter-attack transition," continued Pep. "Praise to Man United and their second goal and their quality. For myself, my decision was wrong not to be in their attacking position. That was my mistake," he said.