Which manager has won the FA Cup the most?
- Arsene Wenger is the most successful FA Cup manager of all time
- Frenchman's longevity means record likely to stand for a very long time
- 23 managers have lifted the trophy multiple times
By Euan Burns
The FA Cup may no longer boast its prestige of yesteryear, but it remains the most historic domestic cup competition in world football.
While other competitions have grown in significance this century, managers continue to place a strong emphasis on the FA Cup - even if some see it as an opportunity to give the kids a run out in the early rounds.
Some of the all-time greats have had the pleasure of winning the esteemed trophy, with the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Jurgen Klopp, and Jose Mourinho all getting their hands on England's biggest domestic cup. One has won it more than anyone else, though.
Which manager has won the most FA Cups?
The answer may not come as a massive surprise. It's Arsene Wenger. The Frenchman became an FA Cup extraordinaire during his lengthy Arsenal tenure.
Wenger managed to win the FA Cup a staggering seven times during his nearly two-decade tenure. His first success came back in 1997/98, and the last victory was as recent as the 2016/17 season.
Such remarkable longevity can only be admired, and the shifting dynamic regarding the length of managerial stints means it's unlikely that Wenger's record will ever be topped. Managers simply don't stay around for long enough, no matter how successful they are.
Along with Wenger, only six managers have won more than two FA Cups. Another 16 lifted the trophy twice, including Pep Guardiola, Sir Matt Busby, and Bill Shankly.
Managers with the most FA Cup wins
Manager | Club managed | Number of FA Cup wins | Years of victories |
|---|---|---|---|
Arsene Wenger | Arsenal | 7 | 1998, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2014, 2015, 2017 |
George Ramsay | Aston Villa | 6 | 1887, 1895, 1897, 1905, 1913, 1920 |
Sir Alex Ferguson | Man Utd | 5 | 1990, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2004 |
John Nicholson | Sheffield United | 4 | 1899, 1902, 1915, 1925 |
James Fielding | Blackburn Rovers | 3 | 1884, 1885, 1886 |
Charles Foweraker | Bolton | 3 | 1923, 1926, 1929 |
Bill Nicholson | Tottenham | 3 | 1961, 1962, 1967 |
Which team has won the most FA Cups?
As you might expect given Wenger's record, Arsenal are the team that has impressed the most in the FA Cup over the years. Wenger may have won seven, but the Gunners as a club have won 14 FA Cups.
They first won it back in 1930 and recently tasted success under Mikel Arteta in 2020. For many of a certain age, Arsenal are the club they associate with the FA Cup as eight of their final wins have come in the last 22 years.
Manchester United aren't far behind with 12 FA Cup victories. The Red Devils have not won it since 2016, meaning they are somewhat overdue another victory. Interestingly, between 1998 and 2005, either United or Arsenal won the FA Cup six times. This was when the rivalry between the pair was as fierce as anything we've seen in the Premier League era.
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