Skip to main content
London hosts huge Manchester derby for second year running
JAMES NALTON looks forward to the historic clash between Premiership heavyweights for the FA Cup
Manchester City's Jack Grealish is tacked by Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes (right) and Casemiro during the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester, January 14, 2023

YOU wait over 150 years for a Manchester derby in the FA Cup final, then two come along at once.

The 2023 FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United, won 2-1 by City thanks to an Ilkay Gundogan brace, was the first-ever meeting between the two historic clubs at this stage of the tournament.

And they’ll do it all again this year, making it the first repeat of the previous year’s final since 1885 when Blackburn Rovers and Queens Park of Scotland contested back-to-back finals, with Blackburn winning on both occasions.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Liverpool fans celebrate victory in the Premier League outside Anfield, Liverpool, April 26, 2025
Men’s football / 2 May 2025
2 May 2025

JAMES NALTON writes on how the title win has sparked long-awaited celebrations among fans after a triumph four years — and one pandemic — in the making

Zhao Xintong during his match against Jak Jones (not pictured), during day three of the Halo World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield. Picture date: Monday April 21, 202
Snooker / 26 April 2025
26 April 2025

JAMES NALTON hails the rise of the number of Chinese players heading to the Crucible   

Everton fans in the stands ahead of the Premier League match at Goodison Park, Liverpool, April 19, 2025
Men’s football / 21 April 2025
21 April 2025

As the historic ground prepares for its emotional farewell, even visiting teams like Manchester City are paying tribute to one of English football’s most storied stadiums, writes JAMES NALTON

Manchester City fans hold a banner in protest of ticket rese
Men’s football / 18 April 2025
18 April 2025

A new front in the fight for football’s soul is emerging — one rooted in trade union values and collective power

Similar stories
A street vendor selling half-and-half scarves ahead of the W
Men’s Football / 13 December 2024
13 December 2024
JAMES NALTON previews this weekend’s much-anticipated Manchester derby
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag ahead of the Premier
Men's Football / 28 October 2024
28 October 2024
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes celebrates with the FA C
Men's Football / 26 May 2024
26 May 2024
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, May 15, 2024
Men's football / 24 May 2024
24 May 2024