Newcastle heartbreak as Manchester United crush European dream with FA Cup win

Newcastle United’s continental dream is over after Manchester City were humiliated in the FA Cup final.

Few gave Manchester United a prayer ahead of the Wembley showdown following their poor campaign. The Red Devils finished eighth - their lowest position in Premier League history.

Much of the pre-match talk also centred around Erik ten Hag’s future. Various sources claimed the Dutchman would be sacked regardless of the FA Cup final result.

However, the Glazers and Sir Jim Ratcliffe may want to rethink that decision after Man United stunned their inter-city rivals in the capital. Goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo gave the Red Devils a half-time lead to silence the blue half of Wembley.

Pep Guardiola rang the changes for the second half but to little effect as a limp Man City side wasted several chances. Jeremy Doku bagged a late consolation but that proved irrelevant as the Red Devils held on.

As for Newcastle, they were left feeling just as dejected as City as the European dream came to an end. The Magpies needed the Premier League champions to win the FA Cup.

Had City won, seventh spot - where Newcastle finished - would have ensured Conference League qualification. As it turned out, Eddie Howe’s men finished the campaign empty-handed - a bitter blow following a topsy-turvy campaign.

Ten Hag’s future remains up in the air despite leading the Red Devils to their 13th FA Cup triumph. Chelsea were also left to rue City’s failure as Man United’s win meant they took the final Europa League spot.