A journalist spotted a “surreal” thing Jack Grealish did in the wake of Manchester City’s FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United.
On Saturday United claimed a surprise win against City, with Alejandro Garnacho pouncing on a mix-up between Josko Gvardiol and Stefan Ortega to net his side’s first before Kobbie Mainoo added a second.
Jeremy Doku’s 87th-minute strike set up a grandstand finish, but a lacklustre City were ultimately unable to complete a comeback.
The victory saw United add a second piece of silverware under Erik ten Hag, following their Carabao Cup win last season, while it sees them seal Europa League qualification.
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And in the game’s aftermath, the Manchester Evening News’s Samuel Luckhurst noted the various reactions of the City players, including Grealish’s “surreal” response.
Luckhurst said: “Apart from the crestfallen Rodri, the Manchester City players lingered in the tunnel area for well over an hour, having sportingly observed United's trophy presentation. The statesman-like Kyle Walker was extremely magnanimous when he paused, sweat still glistening on his forehead, in the mixed zone. Walker was pleased for "some of my friends" in the United dressing room.
“Erling Haaland, with his dampened mane looking like a hybrid of a Die Hard henchman and Prince Vigo, marched through. Kalvin Phillips, in non-club attire, also boarded the City coach.
“The most surreal sight was that of the unused Jack Grealish. The only City representative not clad in club garb, Grealish sauntered through in a Gucci tracksuit and flip-flops, his hood pulled up, smiling mischievously.”
After the game City boss Pep Guardiola took the blame for the FA Cup final loss.
"First of all congratulations to Man Utd," he told his post-match press conference. "My game plan wasn't good. The second half was much better. We were more intense.
"The players know the reason why. Tactically it wasn't good. You plan for a game and different positions, but it didn't work. As always against United, we had control but, [not] like we did in the second half, we couldn't create.
"We are disappointed today. It's normal when a team loses the final, but this season has been extraordinary.
"We have challenged for all the trophies in a good way. We now need to rest and come back."
Topics: Manchester City, FA Cup, Jack Grealish, Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Pep Guardiola, Football
Chris Byfield