Media playback is not supported on this device Highlights: Eden Hazard's first-half penalty helps Chelsea beat Man Utd to win FA Cup

Eden Hazard's first-half penalty decided the FA Cup final in Chelsea's favour at Wembley to leave Jose Mourinho and Manchester United empty-handed this season.

Hazard - in a moment which did not bode well for the World Cup meeting between England and Belgium in Russia in June - twisted and tore past Phil Jones before drawing a clumsy foul from the United defender after 22 minutes.

He calmly dispatched the penalty which was to prove to be the decisive moment in a final that was hard fought rather than distinguished.

United, with striker Romelu Lukaku only fit enough for a place on the bench, raised their game after the break.

Alexis Sanchez had a goal ruled out for straying just offside, with referee Michael Oliver using the video assistant referee (VAR) to confirm the call, Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois excelled with a succession of fine saves, and Paul Pogba wasted their best chance late on when he missed the target with a free header.

This may well be Antonio Conte's last game as Blues manager and if he leaves, he does so after delivering the FA Cup to follow last season's Premier League title.

Conte's glorious farewell?

If it is to be goodbye for Conte, his team delivered the famous old trophy in a manner that has become the Italian's trademark.

His side grabbed the initiative to take advantage of United's tentative first 45 minutes, securing a precious lead that they defended with great resilience and organisation for the rest of an attritional final.

And it was a tribute to Conte that he inspired this performance following a flat end to their Premier League campaign, when a home draw with Huddersfield and a lame defeat at Newcastle left them fifth, out of the Champions League qualification spots.

This has been a season in sharp contrast to Conte's title-winning campaign. The 48-year-old has appeared at odds with the club's hierarchy, often detached and not quite the driven figure who arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2016.

And yet he has delivered silverware, which has escaped Mourinho and Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham this season - although the failure to finish in the top four is painful and likely to be the point at which Conte and Chelsea part company.

One fact is beyond dispute. The manager remains a hugely popular figure with Chelsea's supporters as they chanted his name. If he is leaving, he has given them another happy memory.

Bitter defeat for Mourinho

The sight of thousands of empty seats as Manchester United's players went up to receive their losers' medals summed up a bitterly disappointing day for Mourinho and his side.

United's Premier League points tally of 81 was very respectable but it was still 19 behind champions Manchester City and this loss leaves a taste of anti-climax to their season.

'They defended with nine players' Jose Mourinho won two trophies with Manchester United last season, but none this time Mourinho says Man Utd deserved to win...

They deserve credit for finishing second and reaching the FA Cup final but too often the style of play has been stodgy and even the resilience United have demonstrated this season could not spark a recover at Wembley.

As United stumbled through the first half, they will have been desperately hoping they could dig deep in the fashion that saw them beat Spurs here in the semi-final. It was not to be, despite an improved second-half performance.

United were thwarted by Courtois when they did break through, but this was a day when Mourinho and many of his players came up short.

Mourinho will feel the failure to win a trophy as acutely as anyone - especially as it came against the club where he enjoyed so much success.

Now he must act to add an extra touch of stardust to this United team as they are functional rather than exciting, as proved in this final.

Chelsea's big players deliver as United's falter

The big games are often decided by the big players and this is exactly why Chelsea were able to close out this win and salvage success from a season of underachievement.

And, in contrast, so many of those Mourinho and Manchester United would have been counting on to make the difference did not make the expected contribution.

Who performed best in the FA Cup final? How you rated the players...

N'Golo Kante was magnificent in midfield - tireless and effective, a superb defensive buffer when United did finally exert pressure, while keeper Courtois was also outstanding.

In defence, Antonio Rudiger was a rock and Gary Cahill delivered a performance that was a timely reminder of why England manager Gareth Southgate included him in his World Cup squad.

Match-winner Hazard was always a threat and Southgate might have had an ominous feeling as he watched him go past Jones before drawing a clumsy foul from the man he may face when England meet Belgium in Russia next month.

For United, Jones had a nightmare, Sanchez was truly dismal and Pogba only raised a gallop after half-time. The Frenchman also missed arguably their best chance when he headed wide at a corner when unmarked and only eight yards out.

For all Mourinho's complaints about injustice, a clear penalty decided the fate of this final.

Why was Jones not sent off?

Media playback is not supported on this device Hazard penalty puts Chelsea ahead in FA Cup final

There was plenty of debate on social media after Oliver's decision to show a yellow card to Jones for conceding the spot-kick.

The referee's decision was dictated by a law change in 2016 intended to abolish "triple punishment" in such circumstances.

Before the change, any denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity inside the area resulted in the offender receiving a red card and a suspension, as well as conceding a penalty.

Under the amended Law 12, which relates to fouls and misconduct, a player judged to have made a genuine attempt to win the ball is shown a yellow card instead.

The law states: "Where a player commits an offence against an opponent within their own penalty area which denies an opponent an obvious goalscoring opportunity and the referee awards a penalty kick, the offending player is cautioned if the offence was an attempt to play the ball.

"In all other circumstances (e.g. holding, pulling, pushing, no possibility to play the ball etc.) the offending player must be sent off."

Man of the match - N'Golo Kante (Chelsea)

The Chelsea midfielder made six tackles during the final - more than any other player on the pitch

'Great desire to finish the right way' - what the managers said

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte: "I'm very satisfied because today was very difficult.

"To win the FA Cup against a really strong team - a really great team like Manchester United - we must be pleased.

"It wasn't easy, but I'm very happy for our fans, for my players.

"I predicted at the start of the season the difficulty of this season. Despite this we finished fifth and have won the FA Cup.

"To miss a place in Champions League is not good. We must be honest to say this - but at the same time I think you have to know the real situation, to understand if this group of players did their best this season.

"An important trophy like this shows the great commitment of my players. It showed great desire to finish the season in the right way despite the great difficulty we have had."

Media playback is not supported on this device FA Cup: I'll respect Chelsea's decision on my future - Antonio Conte

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho: "Every defeat hurts, but for me personally the ones that hurt less are when you give everything and you go without any regrets.

"I prefer to lose like today than lose like we did at, for example, Newcastle. I leave my players happy with them. For me, that's really important.

"I knew the opponent I was going to play against. I knew they have a compact low block with lots of physicality where they try to close everything.

"I knew without a target man it would be difficult for us."

Media playback is not supported on this device Manchester United were the best team - Jose Mourinho

Mourinho's first English cup final defeat - the key stats

Mourinho has lost his first cup final in charge of an English club, after winning each of the previous six (four League Cups, one FA Cup, one Europa League).

Chelsea won their eighth FA Cup, taking them level with Tottenham - only Manchester United (12) and Arsenal (13) have won more.

Seven of the past 10 FA Cup winners have been London clubs (Chelsea winning four, Arsenal three).

Conte won a domestic cup final for the first time as a manager, after losing with Juventus against Napoli in the 2012 Coppa Italia, and the 2017 FA Cup with Chelsea against Arsenal.

United's have won only one of their past four FA Cup final appearances.

Mourinho's side had 18 shots in the game; they last attempted more shots without scoring in a match in October 2016 (38 in a 0-0 Premier League draw against Burnley).

Hazard's penalty was the first scored in an FA Cup final (excluding shootouts) since Ruud van Nistelrooy for Manchester United against Millwall in 2004.</s>FA Cup final: Chelsea and Manchester United go head to head at Wembley

Manchester United beat Tottenham 2-1 in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley last month thanks to goals from Alexis Sanchez and Ander Herrera.

And the travelling United supporters have been allocated the same pubs to drink in before and after today’s Chelsea showdown as they were against Spurs.

It includes the famous Green Man, the biggest pub in Wembley.

While Chelsea supporters have just the Copper Jug carried over from last season’s FA Cup final with Arsenal, which they lost 2-1.</s>Players often have teams they relish playing against.

Reds fans need no reminding of Wayne Rooney’s incredible goal-scoring record against Newcastle where he hit 13 in 21 appearances in a United shirt.

Romelu Lukaku has a fondness for playing West Ham and has scored 11 in 13.

Alexis Sanchez is slightly different. He loves Wembley Stadium.

For club and country, the Chilean has netted eight goals in eight appearances at the national stadium and has the chance to add to that in the FA Cup final on Saturday .

The forward has not set the world alight since his move to Old Trafford, but he has blazed brightly on his regular visits to the home of football – most recently during the 2-1 semi-final win over Tottenham.

Sanchez’s man of the match performance in April was undoubtedly one of his best since swapping North London for the North West of England and United fans will hope he continues his fine Wembley form.

His equaliser then set United on their way to victory and he will look to score his third FA Cup final goal, after netting for Arsenal when winning the tournament in 2015 and 2017.

In fact, in his two triumphs with the Gunners he scored in both the semis and the final – a third time would be quite the charm for a player still adjusting to life at Old Trafford.

If he continues his record, he will cause all sorts of problems to the Chelsea defence, as he did in the 2017 final with yet another man of the match performance at Wembley.

And it’s not just in the FA Cup in which Sanchez has enjoyed himself at Wembley.

Before he moved to England, he visited with the Chilean national side for a friendly in November 2013 when Roy Hodgson was preparing for his first World Cup in charge of the Three Lions.

Sanchez stole the show. His brace was the end of England’s ten-game unbeaten and the beginning of his impressive record.

He has scored on all but two of his visits to Wembley and can prove to be the key man once again on Saturday.

After a below-par first four months in Manchester, Sanchez will be keen to prove why his signature was so coveted by Jose Mourinho – and what better stage to do it on.

With the last silverware of the season on the line, his Wembley pedigree should give fans confidence of a big performance and give Sanchez confidence of a third FA Cup winner's medal.

Get all the latest Manchester United news first with our new app. Download it here now.</s>It is Chelsea's eighth FA Cup and first since 2012.

Chelsea moves into a tie with Tottenham Hotspur for third on the all time FA Cup champions list.

Arsenal (13) and Manchester United (12) are first and second, respectively.</s>JOSE Mourinho’s relationship with Antonio Conte has been acrimonious since they took the hot seats at Manchester United and Chelsea respectively but the Portuguese can have the last laugh at Wembley on Saturday.

Few FA Cup finals have been as eagerly awaited as this season’s with both managers desperate to avoid the ignominy of ending the campaign without any silverware.

LIVE Stream the 2017/18 FA Cup Final on ESPN with the Foxtel Sports Pack. SIGN UP NOW >

Mourinho did at least steer United to runners-up behind Manchester City in the Premier League but Conte’s Chelsea trailed in fifth and defeat in what is expected to be his final game in charge would be a bitter pill for the Italian. Ever since Mourinho, Chelsea’s most successful manager, criticised Conte for his wild celebrations during Chelsea’s 4-0 rout of United in the early weeks of the 2016-17 season, the two have been trading insults.

Watch the game LIVE on ESPN from 2:15am AEST.

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If you can’t see the blog below, CLICK HERE.</s>Eden Hazard fired Chelsea to FA Cup glory against Manchester United as Antonio Conte's expected farewell ended with a memorable triumph against old foe Jose Mourinho.

The 137th FA Cup final - and first utilising a video assistant referee - was not as cagey as some had feared but was hardly a rip-roaring affair as the Blues looked to atone for last season's shock finale defeat and a tepid Premier League title defence.

Mourinho came into the match looking to frustrate his former club and write his name into the record books, but Conte - subject of so much speculation regarding his future - emerged triumphant as Hazard's first-half penalty secured a 1-0 win at Wembley.

Many had fancied United to win a record-equalling 13th FA Cup on Saturday, but the Blues showed a spirit and skill level that has been lacking at times this season.

Tension behind the scenes has led to an uneasy feeling growing at Stamford Bridge, but Conte and all those clad in blue enjoyed a moment to savour as Hazard marked his 300th appearance for the club with a first-half winner.

The 27-year-old earned the spot-kick from which he scored, with United struggling to gather a coherent response and then failing to beat Thibaut Courtois after the break as Paul Pogba wasted the greatest chance late on.

It will be a memorable end if, as expected, this proves Conte's last match as Chelsea boss, whereas Mourinho sees this season's Premier League improvements tempered by the conspicuous absence of silverware.

Thibaut Courtois: The busier of the two goalkeepers. Saved well from Marcus Rashford, twice, and Phil Jones. 8 (out of 10).

Cesar Azpilicueta: Mr Consistency, Mr Dependable. Sterling work from the Spaniard, as usual. 7.

Gary Cahill: A calm, experienced head in an at times high octane game. Showed his value to Chelsea - and England. 8.

Antonio Rudiger: Robust presence, nullifying the threat of Rashford and then Romelu Lukaku. 7.

Victor Moses: Sent off in 2017 final against Arsenal, he stayed on his feet this time and was a useful outlet. 6.

N'Golo Kante: Excellent and exceptionally busy. Shielded his defence and snuffed out attempted counter attacks. 8.

Tiemoue Bakayoko: Bought as Nemanja Matic's replacement, but second best to the Serb early on. Grew into the game. 6.

Cesc Fabregas: Wanted to replace his lost 2005 winners' medal. Could not get on the ball. 6.

Marcos Alonso: Had to curtail his rampaging from left-back, but was equal to his opponents on the flank. 7.

Eden Hazard: Scored a penalty on his 300th Chelsea appearance, after being brought down by Jones. 8.

Olivier Giroud: Stuck to his task well, despite little opportunity. Seemed to relish the isolation at times. 6.

Alvaro Morata (for Giroud, 89): Sent on for tired legs. Finishes a mediocre first season with a trophy. 5

Willian (for Hazard, 90): Brought on to run down the time. 5.

David De Gea: Smart save from Hazard early on but powerless to keep out the Belgian's penalty. Little more to do in truth. 6.

Antonio Valencia: Did not make the most of the ball in attacking positions and failed to lead his side to a record-equalling 13th FA Cup. 5.

Phil Jones: Nightmare afternoon for the England international who could have seen red for bringing down Hazard, struggled to deal with the Chelsea man all afternoon. 4.

Chris Smalling: Fared a little better than his defensive partner but still looked unsure at times before firming up the United backline as they chased the game. 6.

Ashley Young: Like his captain, wasted several good crossing positions with his side chasing the game. 5.

Nemanja Matic: Made a better fist of winning the midfield battle after the interval and always trying to break through against his former club. 6.

Ander Herrera: Tasked with keeping Hazard quiet but did not have the same success rate as he did in United's league win at Old Trafford. 5.

Paul Pogba: A big name for the big game but a familiar pattern of misplaced passes and heavy touches curtailed the impact he could have. Squandered a late free header. 5.

Jesse Lingard: United's match-winning hero here against Crystal Palace two years ago but never looked like replicating that today. 5.

Alexis Sanchez: All the effort that we have come to expect from the Chile international but failed to add to his impressive Wembley scoring record and was too erratic to cause much damage - rightly had goal ruled out for offside. 5.

Marcus Rashford: Struggled with the task of being Jose Mourinho's focal point but did at least test Courtois. 6.

Romelu Lukaku (for Rashford, 72): Not fit enough to start, the ex-Chelsea striker was thrown on in a forlorn attempt to find an equaliser. 6.

Anthony Martial (for Lingard, 72): Widely reported to be leaving Old Trafford this summer, he had several opportunities to get a telling ball into the box but failed all too often 5.

Juan Mata (for Jones, 86): Last throw of the dice but no time to make a difference. 5.</s>LONDON — Eden Hazard ensured Chelsea's lacklustre season ended on a high note by securing the FA Cup in a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the final on Saturday.

Days after raising doubts about his Chelsea future, Hazard netted from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute at Wembley Stadium after being brought down by Phil Jones.

"It was not an easy game," Hazard said. "If we want to win a lot of games we have to play better, because today we played defensively."

Whether Hazard remains a Chelsea player next season could depend on whether "good players" are signed in the off-season, based on the winger's pre-match comments.

When asked about his future amid the celebrations, Hazard was coy.

"I'm just happy," Hazard told the BBC. "You see the fans celebrating with the trophy. We didn't play a great season but at least we finished well."

Even if Hazard stays, it looks increasingly unlikely Antonio Conte will. The rapid collapse in the English Premier League made Conte's future look increasingly precarious.

"We needed to achieve this goal for everybody, no matter what happens in the future," captain Gary Cahill said.

After lifting the Premier League trophy last season, Chelsea finished 30 points behind newly crowned champion Manchester City to finish fifth last week and out of the Champions League places.

"This was to save our season," Cahill said before collecting the FA Cup. "I'm not saying we've had a magnificent season by any stretch. But we are used to winning, not in an arrogant way, but we have to try to win things."

Victory for Conte — his first in a cup final — meant Jose Mourinho finished his second season at United empty-handed, paying the price for an insipid first-half display and coming to life only after the break.

United took until the 56th minute to register a shot on target when Marcus Rashford struck at goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who later rushed off his line to block the forward.

"I don't think they deserved to win," Mourinho said. "I am quite curious because I can imagine if my team played like Chelsea did I can imagine what everyone would be saying."

United did finish second in the Premier League, the club's highest finish since Alex Ferguson retired as a champion in 2013.

Rob Harris is at www.twitter.com/RobHarris and www.facebook.com/RobHarrisReports</s>Manchester United and Chelsea will face off Saturday, May 19 in Wembley Stadium in the FA Cup final.

Man United defeated Tottenham 2-1 back on April 21 to earn its spot in the final. After falling behind 1-0 early in the semifinal match, Manchester United got goals from Alexis Sanchez and Ander Herrera to pick up the victory. With another title, it would match Arsenal for the most all-time with 13.

Chelsea, which is seeking its eight FA Cup title in club history, had a 2-0 victory over Southampton the following day in its semifinal match to advance. The teams were tied at halftime, but Chelsea jumped ahead with a goal in the 46th minute courtesy of Olivier Giroud. Alvaro Morata sealed the contest with a goal in the 82nd.

The teams last played each other in a Premier League match that Manchester United won 2-1.

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SI TV is also now available on fuboTV. Watch Planet Futbol TV, SI’s soccer show starring Grant Wahl and Luis Miguel Echegaray, weekly on fuboTV or anytime, anywhere here.</s>Eden Hazard inspired Chelsea to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday.

The 27-year-old forward fuelled speculation over his future this week by stating he will wait and see how Chelsea's close-season transfer policy develops before committing to a new contract at Stamford Bridge.

But he was all business at England's national stadium as he turned the first half into an ordeal for Phil Jones – the United defender whose clumsy foul meant Hazard won and converted a 22nd-minute penalty.

United improved upon a tepid showing after the break and Alexis Sanchez had a goal ruled out for offside, but even the late introduction of Romelu Lukaku on his return from an ankle injury could not force an equaliser.

It meant a sweet victory for Antonio Conte over his rival Jose Mourinho on what could prove his farewell outing as Chelsea coach, with the FA Cup a notable consolation after their Premier League title defence slumped to a fifth-place finish.

As in the semi-final win over Tottenham, David de Gea was preferred to United's regular cup goalkeeper Sergio Romero and the Spain international was called upon in the ninth minute.

Jones gave away possession and Tiemoue Bakayoko set Hazard running at the backpedalling England defender, who he skipped past and forced De Gea to save with his right boot at the near post.

Bakayoko and Sanchez had half-hearted penalty appeals turned down but there was little doubt for referee Michael Oliver when he later pointed to the United spot. An utterly hapless start to the game continued for Jones, who blundered through Hazard as the Belgium star darted around him after bringing Cesc Fabregas' lofted pass under his spell.

Conte was furious on the touchline after Jones was only yellow carded – in line with the International Football Association Board update brought in from last season – but Hazard was a picture of calmness as he stroked home, sending De Gea the wrong way.

Jones had a chance to make amends but headed wide at the far post from Ashley Young's left-wing cross, with United belatedly arriving as an attacking force in the closing minutes of the half.

Antonio Rudiger blocked well from Marcus Rashford after Paul Pogba drove a counter-attack in stoppage time.

Mourinho's side enjoyed their first sustained spell of pressure early in the second half, with Ander Herrera liberated from attempting to shackle Hazard and lending greater impetus to United's midfield play.

Thibaut Courtois beat away a drive from Rashford and Pogba saw a deflected 57th-minute shot loop behind, before Nemanja Matic scuffed wide wastefully against his former club.

The pressure looked to have told in the 63rd minute but Sanchez was fractionally offside – a decision confirmed by VAR – when he prodded in after Courtois denied Jones.

Chelsea attacks had become a rarity by the time N'Golo Kante marauded forward and played in Marcos Alonso. The wing-back was denied by his countryman De Gea and Young escaped penalty claims for handball as Chelsea followed up.

Courtois denied Rashford one against one before the England forward made way for Lukaku, and Mourinho would no doubt have preferred a glorious 82nd-minute headed chance fell to the Belgian as opposed to Pogba. Chelsea held on, and Antonio Conte won his first domestic final as a manager. It may prove to be a glorious goodbye for the Italian boss, with his future in doubt at Chelsea.

95- Peep! All over! Chelsea has won the FA Cup! An Eden Hazard penalty in the first half was the difference in the end! Match Report to follow!

94- Mourinho is checking his watch. Chelsea has won a corner, it's only a matter of time now!

92- The Chelsea fans are finding their voice! United have the ball. This must be the last attack, a cross is launched in and Matic heads well over. A big chance missed!

89- Now Hazard is replaced, who is the potential match winner by Willian. Chelsea are on the verge of their eighth FA Cup.

88- Giroud is replaced by Morata. Who will battle for the final minutes.

87- Young with a great ball to Sanchez who controls perfectly, he tees up Martial but his deft chip hits the top of the net. Not what United needed.

86- It's tense at Wembley. Nervy stuff all around.

82- Chelsea just needs to ride out the final ten minutes or so. If they can, it would be the first domestic final won by Antonio Conte. Which is a crazy stat!

81- Poga, free in the box. His header flashes wide. That was a real chance for United, is the cup slipping out of their grasp?

79- Matic has a crack from 35 yards out... Courtois parries it. The corner is wasted.

78- Chelsea seemed to have weathered that spell of United pressure and are seeing a little more of the ball now.

72- United are rolling the dice! Lukaku and Martial replace Rashford and Lingard!

71- Lingard plays in Rashford, Courtois stays big and the shot rebounds off the keeper.

68- As much as United are putting the pressure on, Chelsea is looking lively on the breakaway. Kante sets up Alonso, who was in plenty of space! The Spaniard shapes to shoot, but the ball is blocked by de Gea. In the aftermath, Chelsea claims a handball in the ball by Ashley Young. It's not given.

67- Ashley Young and Azpilicueta have a frank exchange of views after Young is pushed down by the Chelsea captain. Rightly Michael Oliver plays on. He's had a good game today.

62- United put the ball into the net! However, Sanchez is correctly flagged offside! Michael Oliver has a chat with VAR who backs him up. Courtois is clattered by Sanchez, but he'll stay on! It was a perfect call from the linesman!

61- United are racking up the chances now. Amazingly they have only had one shot on target.

59- Rudiger half clears the ball, it falls to Matic who drives forward his tame shot trickles wide. The Serbian should have done a little better.

55- United are ramping up the pressure. Sanchez doggedly wins the ball back and sets up Rashford who has a fierce shot at goal, which is parried away. A much better go from United.

50- Five minutes into the second half... It's more of the same... United happy to have the ball, and not do much with it! Meanwhile, Lukaku limbers up

Peep- Chelsea are 1-0 at the break! Hazard from the penalty spot. All to play for in the second half! I'm off for a cup of tea!

46- Pogba skips through the box, knocks the ball to Rashford who cannot quite get the right connection! Close!

44- Closest United have been! Ashley young knocks in a deep cross and Phil Jones times the run perfectly to meet the ball at the back post. Unfortunately, the ball is a little long and the header skims just wide.

41- Man United, plenty of the ball, no real penetration or purpose in the first half. Mourinho has to do somthing about this at the break.

38- Chelsea wins a corner which is played in by Fabregas. de Gea comes out and swoops the ball away with a textbook punch.

34- Sanchez has had a funny few minutes. The Chilean gives away a freekick in a dangerous spot just outside the box after tripping Bakayoko. Fabregas slams his shot into the wall. That was poor from the Chelsea midfielder.

31- Sanchez finds himself with some space outside the Chelsea box. His effort flies well over.

28- United seemed to have kicked into life. However, Mourinho's side has had plenty of the ball without threatening Courtois.

25- Pogba wins a dangerous free-kick for United, Sanchez craftily knocks the ball to an onrushing Herrera who mishits the shot. The ball is recycled to Sanchez, who crosses for Pogba. United win the corner which is eventually cleared by Chelsea.

22- Goal! Chelsea goes 1-0 up from the penalty spot. Phil Jones completely messes up that tackle on Hazard, who sprints away on the counter-attack. Chelsea is looking for a red card but its a yellow for Jones which in balance is far. Hazard steps up and coolly slots the ball into the bottom left side. Chelsea is 1-0 up!

19- Hazard uncharacteristically fires a pass out for a throw-in, to the delight of the United fans.

16- Chelsea has been impressive in the last ten minutes, just getting the better of the possession so far.

13- Penalty shout for Chelsea? Bakayoko gets hauled down by former Blues midfielder Matic. The Chelsea players are looking for a penalty, Michael Oliver correctly ignores the calls. Play on!

9- Hazard shimmies past Jones, and cracks a shot towards goal from a tight angle, de Gea in typical de Gea style sticks out a boot to save. It's the first chance of note in the game.

6- Cesc Fabregas beats Paul Pogba in a tussle for the ball. I know, I know it's a quiet start.

4- It's been a tetchy start to the game so far. United seem more than happy to slowly knock the ball around. This could be a long afternoon of ponderous football.

1- Early freekick for Chelsea as Herrera pulls down Alonso. The ball from Fabregas is easily taken by de Gea.

Peep! Marcus Rashford gets the party started! Quick reminder, VAR will be used in the final!

The national anthem has been sung, all the pre-match pageantry is over! Let's do this!

Right! Minutes away from Kick-off! You can catch all the action Live & Exclusive via beIN SPORTS CONNECT.

Uhoh! The players are out!

Whilst Chelsea is looking the part in what looks like a magical day in the capital!

Just under ten minutes to Kick-off! The United boys look focused during the warm-up!

Now for Manchester United. Lukaku has lost his race to be fit for the final but does make the bench. Marcus Rashford replaces the Belgian international.

Parp the team news horn! First up Chelsea! Conte goes with Giroud to lead the line, in what could be the final game for the Italian boss with the Blues.

Hello! Welcome to the live blog of today's FA Cup final between Chelsea & Manchester United. It's a chance for both sides to pick up their first piece of silverware in what has been a disappointing season in the league. Let's see who can come out on top!

The FA Cup on Saturday evening represents the only shot at silverware for both Chelsea & Manchester United. Both sides have had frustrating domestic seasons in the league and will be aiming for glory at the showpiece final at Wembley. As ever, you can watch all the action from the FA Cup Final Live & Exclusive on beIN SPORTS CONNECT.

Chelsea last picked up the FA Cup during the 2011/2012 season. A 2-1 victory over Liverpool with goals from former players Ramires and Didier Drogba gave the Blues their seventh FA Cup trophy. Just a week later, Chelsea would defeat Bayern Munich to claim a first ever Champions League title under the tenure of interim boss Roberto Di Matteo.

This final could be the last for Chelsea boss Antonio Conte. With Chelsea missing out on Champions League football last weekend, that will only speed up the Italians departure from the West London club. Conte will be looking to go out on a high, having lost last season’s cup final to Arsenal. Former Gooner Oliver Giroud could be crucial to the Blues chances of out-muscling United in defence. Whilst the Chelsea player of the year N’Golo Kante will have a big say in the middle of the park trying to keep Paul Pogba quiet.

In team news, Chelsea will be without Danny Drinkwater & defender David Luiz who are absent with respective calf and knee injuries.

Whilst Manchester United’s recent record in the FA Cup is a little better, with the Red Devils last picking up the trophy in the 2015-16 season, in what proved to be the final game for boss Louis van Gaal. The tie against Crystal Palace was a tightly contested affair, which saw United win the game in extra time thanks to a Jesse Lingard goal.

January signing Alexis Sanchez will be a key man for United if they are to get the better of Chelsea and lift the famous trophy. The Chilean attacker played a key role in the semi-final victory over Tottenham and tends to relish playing at the national stadium.

A further boost for Jose Mourinho will be the injury to cup keeper Sergio Romero. This means that number 1 David de Gea is likely to start and that could be crucial if this contest goes all the way to penalties.

United have only two injury doubts heading into the final, with striker Romalu Lukaku and Marouane Fellaini facing late fitness tests.

It certainly promises to be a must-watch game when Chelsea and Manchester United battle it out for the FA CUP. As ever, you can watch all the action Live & Exclusive via beIN SPORTS CONNECT.</s>Man United vs Chelsea, FA Cup final: Red Devils pay the penalty as Hazard fire Blues in front

Man United take on Chelsea in this evening's FA Cup final at Wembley. Follow all the action in our live blog, with kick off at 17.15.
Chelsea beat Manchester United 1–0 at Wembley to win the 137th edition of the FA Cup.