Manchester City vs Sheffield United LIVE: FA Cup result, final score and reaction
Follow all the action from Wembley Stadium
Riyad Mahrez scored a hat-trick as Manchester City snapped their losing streak in FA Cup semi-finals with a 3-0 stroll over second-tier Sheffield United at Wembley on Saturday.
After exiting at the semi-final stage for the last three seasons, Pep Guardiola’s treble-chasing side were not about to suffer the same fate and won without requiring top gear.
Championship promotion hopefuls United began brightly and frustrated City for most of the first half but Mahrez fired City ahead from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute.
Mahrez then waltzed through some flimsy defending to make it 2-0 in the 61st minute and completed his hat-trick five minutes later with a clinical finish from Jack Grealish’s low cross.
It was the first FA Cup semi-final hat-trick since Alex Dawson for Manchester United against Fulham in 1958.
City have not conceded a goal in reaching the FA Cup final for a 12th time where they could face Manchester United in what would be the first all-Manchester clash in the showpiece.
United are up against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
With the tie safely in the bag, Guardiola substituted Grealish and goal machine Erling Haaland with one eye on Wednesday’s looming Premier League showdown with Arsenal.
City are also in the semi-finals of the Champions League where they will face Spanish holders Real Madrid.
It proved a disappointing day for Sheffield United who last won the FA Cup almost 100 years ago, although the Yorkshire club’s priority will be sealing promotion back to the top flight after being relegated in 2021.
Manchester City vs Sheffield United
Goal! Manchester City 2, Sheffield United 0. Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City) left footed shot from the centre of the box following a fast break.
Manchester City vs Sheffield United
Substitution, Sheffield United. Oliver McBurnie replaces Daniel Jebbison.
Manchester City vs Sheffield United
Attempt missed. Julián Álvarez (Manchester City) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Riyad Mahrez.
Manchester City vs Sheffield United
Attempt missed. Erling Haaland (Manchester City) right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box is close, but misses to the right.
Manchester City vs Sheffield United
Attempt blocked. Sergio Gómez (Manchester City) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Ilkay Gündogan.
Manchester City vs Sheffield United
Julián Álvarez (Manchester City) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies