Pep Guardiola takes the blame as Manchester City lose to United in FA Cup final

Pep Guardiola took the blame for Manchester City's shock 2-1 defeat against Manchester United in the FA Cup final as the boss admitted his game plan backfired on Saturday.

Guardiola's side failed to become the first team to win the Premier League and FA Cup in the same season for two successive years after a surprisingly tame performance at Wembley.

City were well below the standards they showed during their blistering march to an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League title.

Rocked by first half goals from United teenagers Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, City could only get one back after the interval through Jeremy Doku's late strike.

City looked lethargic for long periods, but Guardiola said it was his tactical plan that was at fault rather than a post-title hangover.

"My game plan was not good. We were not in the right positions to attack them. It was my decision," he said.

"The players were focused. Tactically, it was not good. The players know it.

"It was a tight game, we gave away the first goal and the second we didn't close well enough.

"The second half was much better because we were more intense. We had the chances, unfortunately we scored a little bit late."

Guardiola conceded it was a frustrating way to end another memorable season for City, who have won the Premier League six times in the last seven years.

The Catalan and his players will hold a title parade in Manchester on Sunday despite their Wembley woe and Guardiola wants them to enjoy the occasion.

"Congratulations to Manchester United. They are always a transition team. At the end they scored two goals and we couldn't score more," he said.

"It's disappointing, that's normal in a final but this season has been extraordinary, fighting for