The match began with the customary pre-match ceremony, including handshakes from Prince William. It didn't take long for Gundogan to solidify his status as a City legend. A long ball from cup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega found the head of Erling Braut Haaland, whose knock-down set up Kevin De Bruyne. De Bruyne's precise pass allowed Gundogan to unleash a spectacular volley into the top corner, leaving David de Gea motionless. The speed and brilliance of Gundogan's strike eclipsed the previous record set by Louis Saha in 2009, propelling City to maintain control of the game.
City continued their dominance, with Rodri coming close to doubling their lead in the fourth minute, as his header narrowly missed the target. Haaland had a couple of missed opportunities before the first drinks break, providing respite for United to regroup.
The Red Devils seemed to have lost momentum when Aaron Wan-Bissaka's header into the box grazed off Jack Grealish. However, after consulting the VAR screen, referee Paul Tierney awarded United a penalty, as replays showed the ball had indeed touched Grealish's finger. Bruno Fernandes calmly converted the penalty in the 33rd minute, leveling the score. The Red Devils' celebration was marred by a projectile thrown from the City fans, striking Victor Lindelof, causing a temporary disruption. City later appealed for a penalty after a collision between Fred and De Bruyne, but their appeals were ignored. United had a golden chance to take the lead through Casemiro and Raphael Varane but failed to convert.
However, City regained their lead early in the second half. Gundogan capitalized on a momentary lapse from United, receiving a well-placed free kick from De Bruyne at the edge of the box. His second volley, though not as spectacular as the first, found its way through a crowded defense and trickled into the net, with De Gea only able to touch the ball further into the bottom corner.
City pressed on, with De Gea making crucial saves to deny De Bruyne and Haaland. Gundogan had a chance for an FA Cup final hat-trick but was ruled offside. United fought back immediately, with substitute Alejandro Garnacho narrowly missing the target with a curling effort.
City managed to keep United at bay for the rest of the game, but they faced a heart-stopping moment in added time when Ortega deflected a close-range Varane shot onto the crossbar. Scott McTominay's subsequent header hit the roof of the net from a few yards out, providing City with a late scare.
With the Premier League and FA Cup secured, City now set their sights on the upcoming Champions League final against Inter Milan. Before the 2023-24 season begins, they will also face Arsenal in the Community Shield, completing a domestic double.
On the other hand, a disappointed United team reflects on an otherwise successful season under the guidance of Ten Hag. They claimed the EFL Cup and secured a return to the Champions League with a third-place finish in the Premier League.