The first-ever Manchester derby in an FA Cup final.
Manchester United potentially seeking to stop Manchester City from joining the list of English teams that have won the treble, which includes only United for now, all in attempt to win a cup double ourselves. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
However, although it is the first instance of a derby final, these two rivals have met many times in the tournament before. Perhaps unsurprisingly, given City’s recent entry into the elite post the takeover, United lead the record.
Here’s the Manchester United vs Man City head-to-head record in the FA Cup.
Manchester United vs Man City head-to-head in FA Cup
The city rivals have faced off against each other eight times in the history of the competition. Manchester United have won five of those meetings, with City coming out on top three times. There was also a tie in 1891 when Manchester City were called Ardwick AFC, which United won.
Here’s a look back at history and all these encounters to get in the mood for a historic Manchester derby in the final:
March 27, 1926, semi-final – Man City 3-0 Manchester United
David Ashworth’s charges had just won 6-1 at Old Trafford less than two months ago. Therefore, United were heavy underdogs in this one. The predictions were proven right as the Cityzens brushed us aside in a comprehensive performance and result to match.
Two goals from Tommy Browell and a third from Frank Roberts ensured City triumphed in the first-ever proper Manchester derby. City would go on to lose the final to Bolton in front of 91,000 at Wembley. However, the decisive blow to United had been given.
January 29, 1955, Fourth Round – Man City 2-0 Manchester United
United were a rising superpower now. Under Matt Busby, a new generation of superstars was emerging, ready to conquer the world. This time United travelled to Maine Road with the cautious optimism of a positive result. With players like Dennis Viollet, Jack Rowley, and Duncan Edwards in their ranks, it was more than understandable.
However, the mental block of City was once again too strong to overcome. Second-half goals from Joe Hayes and Don Revie put Manchester City on their way to the next round. City went on to lose in the final against Newcastle United.
January 24, 1970, Fourth Round – Manchester United 3-0 Man City
The first instance of a home derby for United, and the first win to follow. A goal from Willie Morgan and a brace by Brian Kidd sent United through at the expense of their rivals for the first time in the FA Cup.
United would go on to lose to another fierce rival, this time Leeds United, in the semi-final, to finish third. However, the mental block had been overcome as this win started an era of Manchester United dominance in FA Cup when it came to this particular fixture.
January 10, 1987, Third Round – Manchester United 1-0 Man City
A highly-rated manager by the name of Alex Ferguson had arrived at Manchester United now. They say begin as you mean to go on and Sir Alex Ferguson winning against Manchester City in his first meeting in the FA Cup was a proper example of that.
The game lacked quality, with clear-cut chances coming few and far between. City were struggling to avoid relegation in the league while United were adjusting to their new coach. Norman Whiteside’s goal was the difference between the two teams as United piled on City’s misery.
United would also go on to lose in the next round, 0-1 to Coventry City, but Sir Alex’s first derby in FA Cup makes this game a milestone fixture.
Febuary 18, 1996, Fifth Round – Manchester United 2-1 Man City
By now, the trajectories of the two teams were firmly in polar opposite directions. City’s slide had begun, which would eventually result in relegation to the third tier of English football in 1998.
United, meanwhile, had had a taste of success and the club was transformed under Sir Alex Ferguson. Considering the difference in the strength of the two teams, City gave United all they got. Uwe Rosler gave them a shock lead before United’s quality came through. Eric Cantona and Lee Sharpe scored in the second half to make it three consecutive wins for Red Devils against their city rivals in the FA Cup.
Feb 14, 2004, Fifth Round – Manchester United 4-2 Man City
City were back in the Premier League by now, but the gulf between the two was as big, if not bigger. Manchester United were the team to beat in England and Europe, having achieved a treble five years earlier. Alex Ferguson was at the peak of his powers and United fielded a fresh-faced Cristiano Ronaldo for this one.
In an exciting affair, Gary Neville saw red as Paul Scholes put United ahead in the first half. Madness ensued from the 70th minute onwards as five goals went in. Ruud Van Nistelrooy bagged a brace and there was a goal for Ronaldo too. Striker by Michael Tarnat and Robbie Fowler ended up being consolations as United stamped their authority over their city rivals once again. However, the next time they meet, things would look very different.
April 16, 2011, Semifinal – Man City 1-0 Manchester United
Takeover done, billions pumped, and three years later, a turbocharged City were facing United in a historic FA Cup semifinal. Yaya Toure scored the only goal of the game as Roberto Mancini’s men completely outplayed their prestigious rivals on the biggest stage.
City would go on to win the FA Cup, announcing their arrival at the elite table of English football. It is a seat they haven’t relinquished since, further tightening their grip on it.
For United, it was a wake-up call. Games against the “Noisy Neighbours” were going to be intense affairs now. The scales were shifting.
Jan 8, 2012, Third Round – Man City 2-3 Manchester United
This match is mainly remembered for the unbelievable announcement that Paul Scholes was coming out of retirement. He was named on the bench as United looked to avenge the 1-6 thrashing they had received in the Premier League from their rivals.
United played like a team that had revenge on their minds. They scored three unanswered goals by the 40th minute, courtesy of a Wayne Rooney brace. However, City launched a stirring comeback, with Kolarov pulling back one in the 48th minute and Aguero reducing the deficit further in the 64th minute.
United somehow hung on to eliminate City but this game just gave more credence to “Noisy Neighbours”.
