Manchester United couldn’t get over the ‘Manchester Derby’ barrier in the end.
The Red Devils failed to complete the “double” on Wednesday, losing the 2022-2023 FA Cup final against Manchester City 1-0 at Wembley Stadium in London, England. The Red Devils have been a different team this season under Louis van Gaal.
They ended a long trophy drought by winning the League Cup early on. It had been six years since the 2016-2017 season.
They also reached the FA Cup final, their second podium finish of the season. It was the first ‘Manchester derby’ FA Cup final. The last time United won the FA Cup was in the 2015-2016 season.
But it wasn’t enough for City. United’s season was over. They had to settle for third place in the English Premier League (EPL), a League Cup win, and an FA Cup runner-up finish. A return to the European Champions League (UCL) next season would be a bonus.
They also have a new leader. It’s Marcus Rashford, 25, a former Manchester United youth product. He scored 30 goals in 56 games, including 17 in the EPL this season. He’s been light on his feet, scoring goals at every turn.
Rashford’s behavior in the immediate aftermath of the final against Man City is also a hot topic, with many calling it another class act.
Many United players collapsed to the ground after the final whistle and showed their disappointment. Rashford was different. He pushed through the pain to help his teammates to their feet.
United fans posted pictures on social media of Rashford helping 18-year-old newcomer Alejandro Garnacho and 1m97 Burnley ‘loanee’ Boot Verhoeven, 30, to their feet. ‘Pure class from Rashford lifting dejected teammates after defeat’, ‘A future captain for sure’. ‘Huge respect for Rashford’, ‘My GOAT’, ‘My favorite’.안전놀이터
United’s captain is Harry Maguire. However, he’s fallen out of favor with his teammates and hasn’t gotten the support he deserves.
Maguire is expected to leave the club this summer. Rashford is one of the candidates for the new captain.