The Manchester City captain takes matters into his own hands - or onto his own right foot - with a fierce 30-yard drive, but it's one met by the incredibly strong left hand of the Manchester United goalkeeper.
It's the first time today that the City striker has had sight of goal, and he goes agonisingly close to halving the deficit.
Again, Doku is the catalyst, crossing low from the left, and Haaland responds with a first time strike back across goal and on to the underside of the woodwork.
46. Pep Guardiola has wasted no time in making changes.
As United begin the second half two goals to the good, City have introduced Jeremy Doku and Manuel Akanji for Mateo Kovacic and Nathan Ake.
It's ten years since Arsenal came back from 2-0 down to beat Hull in the FA Cup Final. City will need to produce something similar if they are to complete the double.
Kobbie Mainoo doubles Manchester United's lead, and if the first goal was slapstick then this is sheer class!
Bruno Fernandes starts the move in his own half, progressing the ball forward to Mainoo, and then on to Marcus Rashford.
The forward takes over on the near touchline, switching play out to Alejandro Garnacho on the right with a beautiful crossfield pass.
The Argentine then attacks Josko Gvardiol before cutting back to Fernandes, who executes the pass of the season - no-look, no less - by laying it into the path of Mainoo.
The teenager gleefully sidefoots beyond Ortega to set off an explosion of red around Wembley.
35. Garnacho's goal has certainly opened the game up, and there's every chance that United will find more opportunities on the counter now if City commit men forward.
33. City supporters behind the goal looked shocked as Garnacho rolled the ball home, but it's back to business - just as Pep said pre-game - for their players.
And remember, United took the lead at the Etihad back in March before City fought back to prevail 3-1.
But while it's a goal scored by the Red Devils, it's one that is completely down to disastrous defending from Manchester City.
Diogo Dalot's long pass forward from left-back has Alejandro Garnacho on the run in hope more than expectation.
However, goalkeeper Stefan Ortega bursts out of his area, too far and too quickly, and at just the moment that Josko Gvardiol overcooks his header back.
The ball loops over the stranded City stopper, presenting Garnacho with an inviting, empty net.
It's not in the class of Ricky Villa or Roberto Di Matteo, but it's an opening goal in an FA Cup Final, and could prove to be absolutely massive.
21. More chaos in the Manchester City penalty area, again as a result of the champions attempting to play out from the back.
This time, goalkeeper Ortega finds himself under pressure by United's pressure, and the sky blues eventually need a desperate lunge from Kovacic to deny Fernandes.