FA Cup final: Invited Mwaruwari watches as former club City lose 2-1 to United

Former Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari was among the spectators at Wembley Stadium on Saturday during the English FA Cup final pitting the Blues and cross town rivals Manchester United.

Mwaruwari was an invited guest by his former paymasters for the crunch tie that ended 2-1 in favour of United, a result that ‘disappointed’ the former Zimbabwe Warriors captain.

First half goals from impressive the United academy products, Alexandra Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo helped the Erik Ten Hag coached side to seal victory and clinch the FA Cup.

Speedy winger Jeremy Doku’s goal inside the last 10 minutes was not enough to help the Pep Guardiola coached side to level matters.

It only proved to be a consolation goal.

Meanwhile, it was not the first time that City invited Mwaruwari for their current matches or special events.

Recently, he was invited again for their Champions League match against Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Manchester City have been showing Mwaruwari respect, recognising him as one of their club legends.

“I was at the Wembley (Stadium) for the FA Cup final (on Saturday). I get invited by Manchester City all the time,” said the ex-Portsmouth striker.

“They (City) have never forgotten me after scoring in the Manchester derby. I was also recently at their Champions League game against Real Madrid.”

In September 2019, he was also part of the Manchester City Legends team that played against the Premier League (PL) all stars in another Blues’ legend Vincent Kompany’s testimonial match.

Mwaruwari came off the bench to net the equaliser for the City legends who were trailing the PL all stars 2-1.

The ex-Zimbabwe international star signed for the Blues on transfer deadline day in February 2008 from Portsmouth.

He made 31 appearances before leaving the Etihad in 2010 during a stint that was marred by injuries.

Mwaruwari scored on his debut for the Cityzens, a crucial goal which proved to be the winner against cross town rivals United in a Manchester derby.

His goal helped City then coached by Sven-Goran Eriksson, beat United at their fortress home ground of Old Trafford for the first time since 1974.

It is the vital Manchester derby goal that probably contributed immensely to his legendary status at City.

The ex-Zimbabwe international who also plied his trade in France, revealed that he always gets invited by his former clubs.

“I always get invited by my former clubs, especially when they know I’m around (in Europe).

“I was recently at a Portsmouth game. The other time I was in France invited by AJ Auxerre,” Mwaruwari added.