Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, is the new owner of the oldest existing version of the FA Cup trophy, having purchased the silverware at a recent auction.
The Football Association Challenge Cup trophy, a forerunner of the FA Cup in use today, was presented to winning teams from 1896 to 1910, when the original was stolen from a shop in Birmingham after Aston Villa won the title.
It was the first trophy Manchester City won over a century ago by beating Bolton Wanderers 1-0 in the 1904 final, making them the first professional soccer club from Manchester to capture a major honour.
"This cup is a visible reminder of the rich and long history of English football to which City is inextricably entwined," Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said in a statement.
"Winning this actual trophy in 1904 was a turning point for the club and for the city of Manchester in that it firmly cemented football in the heart of its community.
"Sheikh Mansour's view is that a trophy of such cultural significance must be shared with the people of Manchester, the English football family, and those who love the English game."
West Ham United co-owner David Gold, the previous owner of the trophy, sold it for £760,000 ($1.03 million) at an auction in September 2020 with the winning bidder remaining anonymous.
Gold had bought the trophy in 2005 for £478,000 during his time as chairman of Birmingham City.
Manchester City said the trophy has been offered on loan to the National Football Museum in Manchester, where it has been housed since 2005.
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City beat United in League Cup semi-final: player ratings
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MANCHESTER UNITED RATINGS: Dean Henderson, 6 - Old Trafford debut and the first time he’s conceded a goal in his fourth League Cup game. Fine save from Mahrez. AFP -
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 5 - Pressured by Foden in first half but stood up well. His clearance went straight to Fernandinho for City’s second. AFP -
Harry Maguire, 6 - Challenging start to the game as City pulled and prodded at him and partner Lindelof, but he was up to it. Wasn’t close enough to De Bruyne when he hit the post and hesitated as Stones put City ahead. Won't be lifting a much-needed trophy for United in April. Reuters -
Victor Lindelof, 6 - Started ahead of the in-form Bailly. Did well in first half but watched as the ball spun in for City’s opener. Both City’s goals came from set plays which was disappointing from United. AFP -
Luke Shaw, 7 - Up against Sterling and coped well with him, blocking him twice in the first half. Booked at the last. AP -
Scott McTominay, 6 - Chastising opening as City dominated in the middle, then shot well over as United started to breathe. First player to come off as United needed to take more risks. AFP -
Fred, 6 - Tough opening and far fewer touches than in a normal game against a side who had far more possession. Fine ball to Rashford after 30 minutes. Booked. And on the losing side in a fourth consecutive semi-final. AFP -
Marcus Rashford, 5 - Turned Zinchenko but was blocked. Could have done better when set up by Fred in what was probably United’s best chance. Below par, like his team, but also playing against more incisive opponents. Reuters -
Bruno Fernandes, 5 - Eighth minute strike well saved. Lost possession as took risks and four shots, but average by his own high standards against a better side. One of the players who can provide game changing moments, but didn’t show. Not this time. AFP -
Paul Pogba, 6 - Been in form and played well in first half, but more limited in second. Absent by front post for City’s opener. Moved forward as United went 4-3-3 to try for an equaliser but thwarted. AFP -
Anthony Martial, 5 - Disappointing. Dived to try and get a penalty as United tried to get level. There are times when this United side look like they need a top centre forward. Tonight was one of them. Reuters -
SUBS: Mason Greenwood, 6 - On for McTominay after 75 minutes. Lively run blocked by the exceptional Ruben Dias. Reuters -
Donny van de Beek, N/A - On for Fred after 87. Not enough time to change. PA -
MANCHESTER CITY RATINGS: Zach Steffen, 7 - A strong performance in the first half, making a vital save from a long-range shot from Bruno Fernandes. He wasn’t worked hard, but he was on hand to make a few important stops when needed. AP -
Joao Cancelo, 5 - The Portuguese international had a poor game. Pogba outclassed him on the left-hand side by constantly getting past him, though Cancelo did perform better going forward. A poor performance in a very good team effort. Reuters -
Ruben Dias, 8 - A key player for City who made several key blocks, especially from a Rashford effort which could easily have gone in and changed the complexion of the game. Getty -
John Stones, 9 - He was lucky not to score an early own goal, the offside flag saving his blushes. He made up for it with a decisive strike when he slotted home in the area following a wicked free-kick. Overall, he was excellent. Reuters -
Oleksandr Zinchenko, 6 - Rashford got the better of him a few times, which was United’s plan, but the left-back made some very good clearances, and provided some teasing through balls. AFP -
Fernandinho, 8 - A decent performance with some key blocks, some quick passing, and a sensational goal from the edge of the box from a corner to secure City the win. AFP -
Ilkay Gundogan, – 7 A mixed game for the German, who got himself into some good spaces in the first half. His passing sometimes let him down, but he enjoyed having the freedom to roam high up the pitch. Reuters -
Phil Foden, 8 - The 20-year-old showed his skill and creativity throughout the game. He was unlucky to see what looked like a perfectly good goal ruled out for offside, but he provided a perfect assist for Stones’ goal. AP -
Riyad Mahrez, 6 - A quieter performance for the Algerian, though he was asked to play more centrally and found it hard to get involved. However, he nearly scored from a long-range shot, which was only just tipped over by Henderson. AFP -
Raheem Sterling, 8 - He displayed the customary trickery and skill, and provided a series of through balls. A very good performance from the winger who was one of the best players on the pitch, even though he was given a tough game by Luke Shaw. Reuters -
Kevin De Bruyne, 8 - Another great performance from the Belgian. He showed superior strength and skill throughout, and was unlucky to see his long-range shot bounce off the left post. AFP -
SUB: Rodri, N/A - Brought on late by Guardiola to help steady the game, he made no real impact. AFP
