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As it happenedended

FA Cup final, Chelsea vs Manchester United - as it happened: Eden Hazard penalty settles it for the Blues

Re-live all the action from Wembley

Jack Watson
Saturday 19 May 2018 15:10 BST
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FA Cup final in numbers

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Manchester United and Chelsea meet in the FA Cup final for the third time in the tournament’s 147-year history in what is lined up to be a fiercely competitive encounter at Wembley Stadium.

In a final that pits Jose Mourinho up against rival Antonio Conte, both managers know that defeat will leave them trophy-less this season – and for the latter that could prove to be the end of his reign at Stamford Bridge. Conte is expected to leave Chelsea at the end of the season, although there is hope that an FA Cup final triumph could yet keep him at the club.

For United, finishing the Premier League season 19 points behind Manchester City has been particularly embarrassing, and having failed to win the Champions League or EFL Cup, Mourinho will be desperate to add to his extensive trophy collection with the FA Cup.

Follow the match live below...


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What time does it start?

The FA Cup final is due to kick-off at 17:15 BST.

Where can I watch it?

The match will be shown live on BBC One from 16:10 and BT Sport 1 from 16:00.

Good morning and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of today's FA Cup final between Manchester United and Chelsea, brought to you from Wembley Stadium.

With kick-off at 17:15 BST, we'll begin all of our build-up and preview coverage from 14:00, before bringing you all the action from the FA's blue-ribbon event as it happens.

Until then, feast your eyes on Miguel Delaney's preview on why this match is much, much more than just Jose Mouriho vs Antonio Conte in a rivalry renewed.

Jack de Menezes19 May 2018 09:53

Right, enough of that Royal Wedding stuff, that result was always inevitable. Time to focus on the greatest and oldest domestic game in all the lands: the FA Cup final.

Jack Watson19 May 2018 14:06

Mourinho: "Football for me is not a joke"

Jose Mourinho tells BBC Sport his memories of watching the FA Cup final as a youngster and reveals the reason behind his personality on the touchline.

"I don't like the morning I don't like the breakfast, I don't like anything. I like the match," the Manchester United manager said on Football Focus. 

"I was born in the times that not many football matches on our Portuguese TV, apart from our matches, so the fa cup was the match everybody was watching. To have the chance to manage in one of these matches is unbelievable." 

When asked about his serious and ruthless touchline attitude, Mourinho revealed football is "not a joke."

"My family when they are with me they only see me laughing. Of course I am different, my friends think I am a funny guy, they really enjoy time with me.

"Football for me is not a joke. People see me on the touchline, sometimes I have a smile, but I am working.

"At press conferences, I don't always enjoy, so its hard to smile. I want people to know me as a football manager and leave my private life to myself."

Jack Watson19 May 2018 14:16

Nobody tell Buffon, but we already know who will referee this afternoon's match.

Jack Watson19 May 2018 14:20

Conte: "We arrive not as favourites"

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte revealed that his Chelsea sides arrive in today's final as underdogs. 

Conte's side were beaten finalists last year and have under-performed in the Premier League this season and he says this final is a game between "two great teams."

Jack Watson19 May 2018 14:25

Carrick in United dugout 

Veteran midfielder Micheal Carrick hung up his boots on Sunday after playing 85 minutes of United's final Premier League game of the season against Watford and will be a part of Jose Mourinho's coaching team this afternoon.

Jack Watson19 May 2018 14:27

Phil Neville is not buying in Manchester United fans' frustrations at Jose Mourinho's apparent negative style of play.

I don't buy into it at all," the three time FA Cup winner with Manchester United and current England Ladies manger said on BBC Sport.

"I've played in three boring finals but got the medal to show or it. With Jose, United are heading in the right direction, he's bringing trophies back. Once you get trophies the football follows."

Jack Watson19 May 2018 14:32

Lukaku faces "last moment" injury test

Team new will be arriving around an hour before kick off and all eyes will be on whether Romelu Lukaku will be fit enough to start for Manchester United.

Jose Mourinho revealed the fitness of their leading goalscorer will be tested at the very last minute.

Jack Watson19 May 2018 14:35

Lose and bust for Conte?

Antonio Conte has refused to offer assurances over his future with Chelsea ahead of their FA Cup final against Manchester United.

Jack Watson19 May 2018 14:37

"I think we're going in the right direction."

Everyone's favourite pantomime villain midfielder Ander Herrera is certain that Manchester United are moving in the right direction under Jose Mourinho and hopes the club can end a season of mixed success by lifting the FA Cup.  

Jack Watson19 May 2018 14:39

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