The standstill was broken in the first 10 minutes when Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate rose to the top and hit a header from a corner.
And the afternoon went from bad to worse for City when goalkeeper Zack Steffen wanted too much time for the ball, allowing Sadio Mane to slip in and throw the US player away to double the lead.
And at the start of the half, Liverpool had a three-point lead when Manet stormed into the near post, past the desperate Steffen.
Everything seemed lost to City, Jack Grilish jumped out with a goal minutes after the break to give hope to his country, and Bernardo Silva hit close in the 90th minute to ensure a nervous breakdown.
But that was not enough, as Liverpool advanced to the final, where they will face Chelsea or Crystal Palace, who face Sunday.
Manet then told the BBC that the day was “special”.
“We played with one of the best teams in the world. Winning this kind of game, especially in the semi-finals, is a big, big, big win,” he said.
“We were very happy to win and qualify for the final. We started very well, everyone started from the front – for my first goal the goalkeeper made a mistake, but I think we encouraged him to make that mistake. That’s our style, and I think that’s the difference. ”
The best fight
Red and blue, shining in the London sun.
Two of the best teams in the world are fighting – a week after their last match – for a place in the final of the oldest football competition.
For the neutrals, there could be no more perfect atmosphere: a full stadium, beautiful weather and some football stars of the show.
And, like their exciting 2-2 draw last Sunday, the game started at a hot pace.
And with the release of the ball with a zipper and enthusiasm, the first goal came on a more agricultural route.
Liverpool defender Konate continued his rich goal-scoring form by hitting his head from the starting corner of his country in the match – his third goal in so many matches.
The goal shook Liverpool fans and when City resumed the game, the air was thick with the smell of rockets, the sunlight was red as Liverpool fans jumped in celebration.
The red end of Wembley jumped for joy only eight minutes later.
While City tried to play defensively, as they usually do well, Steffen, the City Cup goalkeeper, only wanted parts too long on the ball, allowing Manet to slip in and handle the ball.
The moment was strikingly similar to their clash in the Premier League last week, when regular starter Ederson also played with the ball, but simply managed to tear the ball in time in front of the attacking striker.
Shocked by two goals, Manchester City finally managed to gain a foothold in the match, while the reigning Premier League champions insisted on returning to the game.
But that pressure left room for Manet to use to further increase Liverpool’s lead at the end of the half.
A complicated game between the Liverpool strikers evaluated the opening of the Senegalese star to hit the ball at home, but Stephen did not get a chance.
Liverpool were boisterous and probably didn’t want the half-time whistle to come when it happened.
And with the words of manager Pep Guardiola ringing in his ears, City made a much better start to the second half.
England international Jack Grillish shoots in the top corner after a good game by Gabriel Jesus opened the way for a shot.
The goal breathed life into City players – and fans – after a bad start in 45 minutes, making their attacks look much more threatening.
Jesus could have attracted City with just one goal, as he used to run to the door, but his Brazilian teammate Alison deftly refused.
Although Man City insisted, Liverpool actually had a better chance, with Mohamed Salah failing to make any of his attempts.
Just when all hope seemed lost, an excellent touch and run of the reserve Riyad Marez left Silva with the easiest final to leave City behind with just one goal with four minutes of added time left.
Rahim Stirling had a chance to score against his old club and be a hero with one of the final touches in the game, but he could only shoot straight at Alison.
And despite some chaotic scenes on City’s field, Liverpool managed to stay and move on to the final and ensure that the historic quadruple – the Premier League title, the Champions League, the FA Cup and the League Cup – is still possible.
So far, Liverpool have won the League Cup title, are second in the Premier League – a point behind City – are in the semi-finals of the Champions League, and are now in the FA Cup final.
Asked if the quartet was their goal, Manet said it was a “dream”.
“We have a lot of matches ahead of us and we will try to do our best – this is our dream for sure and we will fight for it.”
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