DANNY MURPHY: Man United will need more than Harry Kane to catch rivals City

This FA Cup final showed how far away Manchester United are from Manchester City. United can be proud of their efforts and they have had a good season under Erik ten Hag.

They have moved forward, and have the League Cup and Champions League qualification to show for it. But this match made it perfectly clear that a chasm exists between Treble-chasing City and United.

UNITED NEED A NEW GOALKEEPER

United are at least four or five players away from City. Bringing Harry Kane to Old Trafford will not be enough. They desperately need another three.

If Ten Hag wants to turn United into a team that bosses possession, they need a goalkeeper who can play like either of Man City’s. Pep Guardiola selected Stefan Ortega over Ederson on Saturday and I thought on the occasions that United were able to press City, Ortega’s distribution was phenomenal.

You don’t get that with David de Gea. He’s a top goalkeeper, and has been one for so long for United, but to compete for titles — not just a place in the top four — you need a keeper who is good with his feet. De Gea doesn’t want to play out from the back like Ortega and Ederson do.

Manchester United were swept aside by rivals City during their 2-1 FA Cup final defeat

The Red Devils will need more than just a new striker to help them catch their city rivals

The Red Devils will need more than just a new striker to help them catch their city rivals

It’s clear United need a striker to help Marcus Rashford, whether that is Kane or Victor Osimhen. They also need a midfielder with the stature of Declan Rice who can help Casemiro and compete with the physicality of the best in the world and probably a centre-half to complement Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.

I’m not saying United are rubbish. They’re not. They are a good side who are making progress under Ten Hag. They are just trying to bridge the gap to one of the greatest sides we’ve ever seen.

So are every other side in the Premier League and Europe. And, right now, United are just so far away.

CITY NAILED ON FOR TREBLE

Manchester City are one game away from greatness. One game away from being talked about for the next 50 years, the same way as United’s Treble winners.

One game away from this group of players looking in the mirror and knowing they have achieved something special, something that very few have ever done.

City have it all. The quality and technical ability, but balanced with intensity, physicality and the work ethic to do the ugly stuff.

City do not carry a single player when they press. Look at United. Marcus Rashford can press but he knows those behind him can’t do it like Haaland knows his midfielders can.

There’s a reason why Riyad Mahrez hasn’t played the biggest games for City this season. Scoring goals isn’t enough.

So when City do win the Treble – and they will do it, I’m convinced of it – it will be so richly deserved.

Pep Guardiola's side boosted their chances of securing a historic Treble with a win over United

Pep Guardiola’s side boosted their chances of securing a historic Treble with a win over United

NO GOALS BUT HAALAND STILL A STAR

Erling Haaland didn’t score but this was one of the best games I’ve seen him play. His contribution was immense. He gave everything.

He won the first flick-on for Ilkay Gundogan’s opening goal after 12 seconds and there was a moment in the second half when he chased back to win the ball off Casemiro in his own half.

He set the tone with his pressing and his link-up play. The way City press is a different world to United and Haaland leads that.

So even though Haaland didn’t find the back of the net, Guardiola will be thrilled with the performance of his star striker.

Erling Haaland failed to get on the scoresheet at Wembley but proved a menace all match

Erling Haaland failed to get on the scoresheet at Wembley but proved a menace all match

HANDBALL DECISION THE WORST IN FA CUP FINAL HISTORY?

The handball against Jack Grealish must be the worst decision ever in an FA Cup final. It was a ludicrous call. No one want to see penalties given for incidents like that. Grealish was so close to the ball. He wasn’t looking. No common sense. No logic. It was never a penalty.

EXPERT’S VIEW FROM FORMER REFEREE CHRIS FOY

‘When I saw that incident and the VAR David Coote recommend an on-field review (below) I wasn’t surprised. The law says it’s a handball if the ball touches your hand or arm when it’s made your body ‘unnaturally bigger’.

‘Jack Grealish’s hand is above his head and that makes his body unnaturally bigger. It’s a clear handball offence. People’s frustrations are with the law, not the decision.’

It gave United a lifeline. They showed some spirit and tenacity to hold on. I was so impressed, though, by the composure of City to deal with such a ridiculous setback. They didn’t let it bother them even when it wasn’t going their way. That’s the mentality Pep Guardiola has instilled into this team, a belief stronger than we have seen in a team for a very long time.

By the end, it felt like you were watching a first team going up against the seconds in training.

The handball against Jack Grealish must be the worst decision ever in an FA Cup final. It was a ludicrous call. No one want to see penalties given for incidents like that. Grealish was so close to the ball. He wasn’t looking. No common sense. No logic. It was never a penalty.

It gave United a lifeline. They showed some spirit and tenacity to hold on. I was so impressed, though, by the composure of City to deal with such a ridiculous setback. They didn’t let it bother them even when it wasn’t going their way. That’s the mentality Pep Guardiola has instilled into this team, a belief stronger than we have seen in a team for a very long time.

Apart from the end of the game, when United gave it a go, it felt like you were watching a first team against the seconds in training.

Jack Grealish was, rightfully, bemused when a penalty was given against him for handball

Jack Grealish was, rightfully, bemused when a penalty was given against him for handball

GUNDOGAN’S A CITY GREAT

Ilkay Gundogan has cemented his name among the list of Manchester City legends. He scored the winner the snatch the title from Liverpool on the final day last season and now a stunning brace to win the FA Cup against their United rivals.

His volley to score the opener after 12 seconds encapsulated why he’s such a great player. It was so natural. He will have done that so many times in training. You have to be patient to let the ball fall to the right height.

He can do that because he — as I like to call it — sees the pictures.

German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has secured himself within Manchester City's history

German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has secured himself within Manchester City’s history

The greatest midfielders see the pictures of the game before anyone else. They know where the ball will drop, where the players around them will be.

Paul Scholes saw the pictures, so did Steven Gerrard. That’s why they are always a step ahead. You can’t coach that.

John Stones also needs a mention. That was the best game I’ve ever seen him play. He shone alongside Rodri.

It’s a new position for him, dropping into midfield but his knowledge of when he drops in and when he needs to defend is superb. He’s such a clever footballer.

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