Manchester United shock Manchester City to win the FA Cup

Manchester United have stunned their rivals Manchester City to win English football's FA Cup 2-1 at Wembley Stadium in London.

United came in as underdogs after a disappointing season and finishing 8th in the league.

In contrast, their city rivals were looking to become the first English side to complete the 'double-double' — winning both the English Premier League and FA Cup two seasons in a row.

But it wasn't to be, with Manchester United scoring twice in the first half to set up the win.

The win also secures Manchester United a spot in the second tier of European football, the Europa League, next season.

It was Manchester City's first loss in 35 matches.

Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho celebrates after scoring the opening goal in the FA Cup final.(Reuters/Hannah Mckay)

Goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo — both 19 years of age — had Manchester United in control at half-time.

Garnacho opened the scoring in the 30th minute after mistakes from City defender Josko Gvardiol and goalkeeper Stefan Ortega left the Argentinian with the ball in front of an open net.

Mainoo then added a second goal in the 39th minute to spark passionate celebrations from manager Erik ten Hag, whose job was under intense scrutiny going into the final.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was under intense scrutiny heading into the final.(Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge)

Before the game, there was speculation he would be sacked following the FA Cup final, regardless of the result.

City piled the pressure on in the second half and eventually got back into the game through substitute Jeremy Doku’s long range shot into the bottom corner in the 87th minute.

By that point, City striker Erling Haaland had hit the bar, Kyle Walker had forced United goalkeeper Andre Onana into two outstretched saves, and substitute Julian Alvarez missed the target from close range with only the keeper to beat.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Manuel Akanji after losing the FA Cup final. It was the side's first loss in 35 matches.(Reuters/Hannah Mckay)

But United withstood the pressure to win a 13th FA Cup, one behind Arsenal’s record of 14.

It was Erik ten Hag’s second trophy in as many years at the club after winning the League Cup last year.

Players and staff embraced him on the field after the final whistle as the Dutchman managed to end a troubled campaign on a high.

AP/ABC