Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji summed up his thoughts on his side’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup final.
The £180,000-a-week man was a surprise inclusion on the bench.
However, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola decided to bring Manuel Akanji on at half-time against Manchester United.
Akanji sends message after Man City lose to Man United
The Swiss international ended up replacing Nathan Ake, partnering John Stones at the back.
Akanji’s inclusion added more security to City’s defence, even though they were far from convincing in the first half.
Even though the Sky Blues did not concede a goal in the second half, their improved defensive display was not sufficient for them to stage a comeback.
After Manchester City suffered a shock defeat to Manchester United, Manuel Akanji took to Instagram to express his thoughts.
“A defeat that stings but we are proud of another incredible season and grateful for the support from the best fans in the world!”
Manuel Akanji should have started in the FA Cup final
In our view, Manuel Akanji merited a start for Manchester City against Manchester United on Saturday.
Akanji has been a constant in City’s side during the title run-in, unlike either Stones or Ake, who were thrown into the deep end.
It seemed like Pep Guardiola would veer to the side of match fitness and form when picking his backline.
But surprisingly, even Ruben Dias was benched for the clash.
Manchester City’s defence was punished and perhaps one could claim that had Manuel Akanji started alongside Dias, that would not have been the case.
In the last five Premier League games where the pair have started, the Sky Blues have conceded just two goals.
Akanji’s brilliant performances throughout the campaign also made him a deserved starter in one of City’s biggest games of the season.
Manuel Akanji seems gutted from his post-match message about Manchester City losing to bitter rivals Manchester United. The 28-year-old’s focus will shift as in around three weeks, Switzerland face Hungary at Euro 2024.