2004 FA Cup final
The 2004 FA Cup Final was the 123rd edition of the Football Association Challenge Cup's showpiece match, contested on 22 May 2004 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, between Premier League side Manchester United and First Division club Millwall.[1][2] Manchester United won 3–0, with 19-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a header—his first goal in a major final—in the 44th minute and Ruud van Nistelrooy adding a penalty in the 66th minute and a close-range finish in the 81st minute, assisted by Ryan Giggs on the latter.[3][4] The victory marked Manchester United's record-extending eleventh FA Cup triumph—a record affirmed by the official Emirates FA Cup account—and manager Alex Ferguson's fifth win in the competition, while it represented Millwall's first and only appearance in the final, earning them a consolation UEFA Cup place for the following season.[5][3][6] Held at the Millennium Stadium due to the ongoing reconstruction of Wembley Stadium, the match drew a crowd of 71,350 and was refereed by Jeff Winter.[1] Manchester United, who had finished third in the Premier League that season, dominated proceedings after Ronaldo's breakthrough goal just before half-time, with Roy Keane delivering an outstanding performance in midfield during what would be his sixth and final FA Cup final appearance.[3][7] Millwall, managed by Dennis Wise and reaching their first-ever major final, mounted a resilient challenge but struggled against United's attacking prowess, highlighted by Ronaldo's dazzling display at age 19 and van Nistelrooy's clinical finishing.[8][2] The final underscored Manchester United's enduring dominance in English football and served as a milestone for emerging talents like Ronaldo, whose goal was his first in a major cup final, while for Millwall it symbolized a remarkable underdog run that captured national attention despite the defeat.[9][7]Background
Manchester United's preparations
Manchester United entered the 2004 FA Cup final having finished third in the 2003–04 Premier League season, securing qualification for the following season's UEFA Champions League group stage with 86 points from 38 matches.[10] The campaign represented a period of domestic competitiveness for the club, as they challenged Arsenal's "Invincibles" for the title until the final weeks, but ultimately fell short amid a season marked by European frustration after a quarter-final exit to Porto in the Champions League.[11] The squad faced several injury setbacks throughout the 2003–04 season, including Paul Scholes' hernia operation in October that sidelined him for around a month and Kleberson's dislocated shoulder early in the campaign, which strained the midfield options.[12] Other players like Nicky Butt, Mikael Silvestre, John O'Shea, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer returned from international duty with minor issues in September, contributing to early inconsistencies.[13] By the time of the FA Cup final, however, the team had largely recovered, with Ruud van Nistelrooy in strong form and available as the primary striker, having scored 20 Premier League goals that season despite occasional fitness concerns from prior hamstring strains in earlier years.[14] Sir Alex Ferguson placed significant tactical emphasis on the FA Cup as a route to silverware, particularly after conceding the league title challenge and the Champions League disappointment, viewing it as an opportunity to end the season on a high with domestic cup success.[15] He prioritized squad rotation and motivation in knockout fixtures, leveraging the club's depth to maintain freshness for the final against underdogs Millwall. This approach aligned with Ferguson's broader philosophy of cup competitions as vital for sustaining momentum at a club in transition following David Beckham's departure the previous summer. Historically, Manchester United approached the 2004 final as record-holders with 10 prior FA Cup triumphs—dating back to 1908 and including victories in 1948, 1963, 1977, 1983, 1985, 1990, 1994, 1996, and 1999—aiming to claim an 11th title and extend their legacy in England's premier knockout tournament.[16]Millwall's preparations
Millwall entered the 2003–04 season in the First Division, the second tier of English football, and ultimately finished in 10th position with 69 points from 46 matches, comprising 18 wins, 15 draws, and 13 defeats.[17] Although positioned as high as fifth in the table during April, placing them in contention for the promotion playoffs, the club's attentions increasingly turned to their unexpected progress in the FA Cup, which took precedence over maintaining league momentum in the latter stages.[18] Player-manager Dennis Wise provided crucial leadership and motivation for a squad largely comprising players with limited top-flight experience, drawing on his own extensive career to instill belief in an underdog challenge against Premier League opposition.[19] At 37 years old, Wise exemplified the team's grit, overcoming a knee injury to feature in the final and serving as a focal point for the group's determination during preparations. Financial limitations shaped Millwall's approach, as the club managed ongoing losses and a modest budget by depending on seasoned veterans like Wise and captain Kevin Muscat, alongside targeted loan signings to supplement the core roster without major investments.[20] This resource-conscious strategy underscored their status as underdogs, echoing the FA Cup's tradition of enabling lower-division sides to compete at the highest level.[8] The preparations culminated in Millwall's first-ever FA Cup final appearance, a landmark achievement that built upon the club's prior semi-final ventures in 1900 (lost to Southampton), 1903 (lost to Southampton), and 1937 (lost to Sunderland).[21] These historical near-misses added emotional weight to the 2004 campaign, galvanizing the team and supporters alike as they aimed to end a century-long wait for major silverware.[22]Route to the final
Manchester United
Manchester United entered the 2004 FA Cup in the third round, facing Premier League rivals Aston Villa at Villa Park on 4 January 2004, where they secured a 2–1 victory. Aston Villa took the lead through Gareth Barry in the 19th minute, but David Bellion equalized with a header in the 64th minute, followed by Paul Scholes' close-range finish four minutes later to clinch the win.[23][24][25] Advancing to the fourth round, United travelled to Sixfields Stadium to play League Two side Northampton Town on 25 January 2004, dominating with a 3–0 triumph. Mikael Silvestre opened the scoring in the 34th minute, Chris Hargreaves put through his own net two minutes into the second half, and Diego Forlán added a third in the 68th minute to ensure progression.[26][27] The fifth round pitted United against Manchester City in a heated derby at Old Trafford on 14 February 2004, resulting in a 4–2 victory despite Gary Neville's early red card reducing them to ten men. Paul Scholes scored the opener in the 34th minute, and Ruud van Nistelrooy netted twice late on—in the 71st and 81st minutes—with Cristiano Ronaldo adding a third in the 74th; City replied through Michael Tarnat and Robbie Fowler.[28][29] In the quarter-finals on 6 March 2004, United hosted Fulham at [Old Trafford](/page/Old Trafford) and came from behind to win 2–1. Steed Malbranque converted a penalty in the 23rd minute, but Ruud van Nistelrooy equalized two minutes later and scored the winner in the 62nd minute with a clinical finish.[30][31][32] United's semi-final against Arsenal took place at Villa Park on 3 April 2004, where a solitary goal secured a 1–0 win and a place in the final. Paul Scholes fired home from Ryan Giggs' cross in the 31st minute, holding firm against Arsenal's pressure and ending their 49-game unbeaten league run in the process.[33][34][35]Millwall
Millwall, competing in the First Division during the 2003–04 season, embarked on a remarkable FA Cup journey that saw them overcome several challenging opponents, often relying on resolute defending and opportunistic scoring to advance. Their run began in the third round with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Walsall at The Den on 3 January 2004, where they came from behind after Jorge Leitão's opener for the visitors; Kevin Braniff equalized in the 33rd minute with a run onto a through-ball from Neil Harris, before Tim Cahill headed the winner just before half-time from a Dennis Wise cross. Walsall, from the Second Division, finished the match with nine men after two red cards, but Millwall's determination secured their progression despite the visitors' resilience.[36] In the fourth round, Millwall faced non-league Telford United away at the New Bucks Head on 11 February 2004, producing a disciplined 2–0 win that highlighted their superiority against lower-tier opposition. Paul Ifill opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a powerful deflected shot after a pass from Cahill, and Dennis Wise added a second in the 71st minute with a composed right-footed finish, ensuring Millwall advanced to the fifth round for the first time in over a decade while Telford's giant-killing dreams ended. The Lions' backline, led by captain Wise, comfortably neutralized Telford's attacks, conceding no shots on target in the second half.[37] The fifth round brought a tougher test against fellow First Division side Burnley at The Den on 14 February 2004, where Millwall edged a 1–0 victory through sheer grit and a moment of quality. Danny Dichio's header in the 70th minute from a Nick Elliott corner proved decisive, as the striker rose highest to beat goalkeeper Brian Jensen, sending the home crowd into rapture and propelling Millwall into the quarter-finals. Burnley pressed late but failed to break down a stubborn Millwall defense that recorded its fourth clean sheet in five cup ties, underscoring the team's growing momentum.[38] Quarter-final ties against Tranmere Rovers from the Second Division tested Millwall's resolve across two legs. The first match at The Den on 7 March 2004 ended 0–0, with Tranmere's goalkeeper John Achterberg saving a Kevin Muscat penalty in the 72nd minute to force a replay, despite Millwall dominating possession and creating numerous chances. In the replay at Prenton Park on 16 March 2004, Millwall triumphed 2–1, striking early to seize control: Cahill volleyed home in the 5th minute from a Dichio assist, and Harris added a second in the 10th minute with a clinical left-footed finish, before Iain Hume pulled one back for Tranmere just before half-time. The visitors held firm in a tense second half to book their semi-final spot.[39][40] Millwall's fairy-tale campaign reached its zenith in the semi-final against league leaders Sunderland at Old Trafford on 4 April 2004, where a solitary goal delivered a 1–0 upset victory. Cahill's 26th-minute strike—a side-footed finish from the rebound after Paul Ifill's shot was parried by Mart Poom—sealed the win against 10-man opponents following Jason McAteer's red card in the 85th minute, propelling Millwall to their first-ever FA Cup final. Sunderland, despite their dominance in the Championship, couldn't find a way past Andy Marshall, as Millwall's organized defense and counter-attacking threat shone through in this defining moment of underdog triumph.[41]Pre-match
Venue and officials
The 2004 FA Cup final took place at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, a venue with a capacity of approximately 72,500 that served as the primary host for the competition's showpiece matches during this period.[42] The stadium was selected due to the ongoing reconstruction of Wembley Stadium in London, which displaced the final from its traditional home; as a result, the Millennium Stadium hosted all FA Cup finals from 2001 to 2006.[43] A crowd of 71,350 attended the match on 22 May 2004.[44] The officiating team was led by referee Jeff Winter from Cleveland, who was taking charge of his last professional match before retiring at the age of 49.[45] Assisting him were Roger East from Wiltshire and Tony Green from Leicestershire and Rutland, while Matt Messias from Yorkshire served as the fourth official. The pitch was in good condition, aided by mild and dry weather throughout the day, described as glorious in the lead-up to kick-off.[19]Broadcasting
The 2004 FA Cup final was broadcast live on television in the United Kingdom on both the free-to-air channel BBC One and the pay-TV channel Sky Sports 1, allowing widespread access to the match for domestic audiences.[46] The BBC's coverage, which began at 13:00 BST, featured presentation by Gary Lineker alongside pundits Alan Hansen and Trevor Brooking, with pitchside reporting from Ray Stubbs.[46] John Motson provided the main commentary for the BBC, marking his 25th FA Cup final in that role and breaking his own previous record, while former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson served as co-commentator.[46] This longstanding partnership highlighted Motson's iconic status in British football broadcasting, having covered finals since 1979.[46] Radio listeners in the UK could follow the action through live coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live, which offered detailed play-by-play commentary starting from the pre-match build-up.[47] Internationally, the final reached audiences across numerous countries through various broadcasters, with ESPN providing highlights coverage in the United States as part of its English football programming.[4] The event's global appeal was further supported by rights deals, such as those held by ESPN Star Sports for Asian markets, underscoring the FA Cup's status as a premier football spectacle.[48]Match
Team selection
Manchester United lined up in a 4-4-1-1 formation for the 2004 FA Cup final, with Tim Howard in goal behind a back four of Gary Neville, Wes Brown, Mikael Silvestre, and John O'Shea. The midfield was anchored by Roy Keane, with Ryan Giggs and Darren Fletcher on the flanks, Paul Scholes in an advanced central role, and Cristiano Ronaldo providing width on the right. Ruud van Nistelrooy led the attack as the lone striker. Roy Keane had overcome a hamstring injury to start, having been a doubt leading into the match. The substitutes bench included Roy Carroll, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Phil Neville, Nicky Butt, and Eric Djemba-Djemba; of these, Solskjær replaced Ronaldo in the 84th minute, Butt came on for Fletcher in the 84th minute, and Carroll substituted for Howard in the 84th minute.| Manchester United Starting XI | Position |
|---|---|
| Tim Howard | GK |
| Gary Neville | RB |
| Wes Brown | CB |
| Mikael Silvestre | CB |
| John O'Shea | LB |
| Ryan Giggs | LM |
| Darren Fletcher | CM |
| Roy Keane (c) | DM |
| Paul Scholes | AM |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | RW |
| Ruud van Nistelrooy | ST |
| Millwall Starting XI | Position |
|---|---|
| Andy Marshall | GK |
| Marvin Elliott | RB |
| Matt Lawrence (c) | CB |
| Darren Ward | CB |
| Robbie Ryan | LB |
| Peter Sweeney | RM |
| David Livermore | CM |
| Dennis Wise | CM |
| Paul Ifill | LM |
| Tim Cahill | AM |
| Neil Harris | ST |
Summary
Manchester United dominated the 2004 FA Cup final against Millwall from the outset at the Millennium Stadium, controlling possession and creating numerous chances in the first half while Millwall relied on a resilient defensive setup to stay in the contest.[19] The breakthrough came in the 44th minute when Cristiano Ronaldo rose to head in a precise cross from Gary Neville, giving United a 1-0 lead just before halftime and rewarding their patient build-up play.[1][49] Millwall, employing a deep defensive line and five-man midfield to contain threats like Paul Scholes, managed to limit the damage through determined tackling and goalkeeper Andy Marshall's key saves, though they struggled to mount effective counters.[49] In the second half, United maintained their superiority, with Millwall pushing forward slightly but remaining vulnerable to quick transitions. The game tilted decisively in the 65th minute when David Livermore fouled Ryan Giggs in the penalty area, allowing Ruud van Nistelrooy to convert from the spot and make it 2-0.[19][1] Van Nistelrooy sealed the victory in the 81st minute with a tap-in from Giggs' cross, extending the lead to 3-0 despite a marginal offside query, as United's class overwhelmed Millwall's counter-attacking efforts.[19][1] No extra time was required, with the final whistle confirming United's comfortable triumph.[19] Throughout the match, United's possession-based approach contrasted sharply with Millwall's strategy of absorbing pressure and seeking breaks, underscoring the gulf in quality between the Premier League giants and the Championship side.[49] Ruud van Nistelrooy was named Man of the Match for his brace, which proved pivotal in securing Manchester United's record 11th FA Cup title.[50]Match details
The 2004 FA Cup final took place on 22 May 2004 at 15:00 BST at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.[44] The match followed standard FA Cup rules, consisting of two 45-minute halves totaling 90 minutes of regulation time. If the scores were level after 90 minutes, 30 minutes of extra time (two 15-minute periods) would be played, followed by a penalty shoot-out if still tied. Video assistant referee technology was not utilized, as it was not introduced in English football until 2018.[44]Line-ups
Manchester United (4–4–1–1)
| No. | Pos. | Player |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | GK | Tim Howard |
| 2 | DF | Gary Neville |
| 6 | DF | Wes Brown |
| 27 | DF | Mikael Silvestre |
| 22 | DF | John O'Shea |
| 7 | MF | Cristiano Ronaldo |
| 24 | MF | Darren Fletcher |
| 16 | MF | Roy Keane (captain) |
| 11 | MF | Ryan Giggs |
| 18 | MF | Paul Scholes |
| 10 | FW | Ruud van Nistelrooy |
Roy Carroll (GK), Phil Neville (DF), Nicky Butt (MF), Eric Djemba-Djemba (MF), Ole Gunnar Solskjær (FW)
Manager: Alex Ferguson[44]
Millwall (4–4–2)
| No. | Pos. | Player |
|---|---|---|
| 33 | GK | Andy Marshall |
| 3 | DF | Robbie Ryan |
| 12 | DF | Darren Ward |
| 2 | DF | Matt Lawrence (captain) |
| 25 | DF | Marvin Elliott |
| 15 | MF | Peter Sweeney |
| 4 | MF | David Livermore |
| 23 | MF | Dennis Wise |
| 21 | MF | Paul Ifill |
| 10 | MF | Tim Cahill |
| 9 | FW | Neil Harris |
Willy Gueret (GK), Alan Dunne (DF), Barry Cogan (MF), Marcus McCammon (FW), Curtis Weston (MF)
Manager: Dennis Wise[44]
Match statistics
| Statistic | Manchester United | Millwall |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 58% | 42% |
| Total shots | 18 | 6 |
| Corners | 9 | 3 |
| Fouls | 12 | 15 |