Fresh from clinching a fourth straight Premier League title, City entered the 143rd FA Cup final as the overwhelming favourites to triumph, 12 months on from winning the previous all-Manchester affair at Wembley.
But the holders were left shellshocked after goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo put United firmly in the driving seat at the halfway stage, in what is likely to be Ten Hag’s last game as head coach.
Second-half substitute Jeremy Doku halved the deficit in the dying moments but it was too little, too late, and the Red Devils held firm to win the competition for a 13th time in their history – and a third time this century.
The result also sealed United a spot in next year’s Europa League, while denying City an historic double-double, and a reflective Guardiola tried to take the heat off his players after the loss – only the fifth defeat City suffered all season.
‘I think my game plan in the first half was not good,’ he told reporters at his post-match press conference.
‘The second half was much, much better. We were more intense, in part because we were 2-0 down and when that happens you don’t have anything to lose and make a step forward.
‘It was a tight game. We gave away the first goal and after the transition for the second one we didn’t close well.
‘But credit to United for the second goal and the quality they have.
‘For my decision, we were not in the right position to attack them. It was my mistake.
‘The game plan was not good. Disappointed today, that’s normal, teams they lose finals but this season has been extraordinary, fighting for all the trophies in a good way. We’ll rest and come back next season.’
Guardiola admitted he was ‘disappointed’ not to defend the FA Cup but stressed that City’s players should be tremendously ‘proud’ of their effort across the season.
‘The feeling, of course, when you lose a final, you’re really disappointed but you know we celebrated good this week,’ the Spaniard added.
‘All the journey in the Premier League. When you make 91 points it’s because we won a lot of points and the journey was really, really good.
‘But we have to be so proud and celebrate what we have done.’
While United were busy celebrating the victory, Guardiola was pictured sharing a moment with each and every one of his players on the pitch as he tried to put the defeat into perspective after yet another ‘incredible’ campaign.
Asked what was discussed, Guardiola explained: ‘We talked, hugged each other.
‘Now we are sad but we will celebrate tomorrow the incredible achievement that we have done and come back.
‘It’s as simple as that. In football, in life, you win and you lose. It’s the way we lose, what we have to do, especially in the second half, they didn’t give up and go and go.’
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