FA Cup final: Welcome back Manchester United. Where have you been?

Welcome back Manchester United. Where have you been?

As Erik Ten Hag’s much-maligned side lifted the FA Cup at Old Trafford, delivered by a stunning performance against deadly rivals Manchester City, there was a real feeling of a great old club rolling back the years.

Inspired by the youthful talent of Man of the Match Kobbie Mainoo and winger Alejandro Garnacho, who both scored first half goals in an historical 2-1 FA Cup Final victory at Wembley, United finally reminded us of what they are all about.

The showed passion, they worked and pressed harder than they have done all season and then showed remarkable levels of concentration and self-belief to defend their lead, only faltering when Jeremy Doku’s late effort slipped under the fingers of goalkeeper.

The result leaves them with their first FA Cup trophy since 2006 and the 13th in their history, underlining just why they remain one of the most glamorous and heralded clubs in world football – despite such a frustrating and miserable season in the Premier League, where they finished eighth.

For new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, charged with plotting the next chapter in United’s history, it was a vision of what could be; and of what Old Trafford supporters have been desperately missing.

Whether that’s enough for him to keep Ten Hag in charge next season, despite so many rumours that the Dutchman faces the sack, remains to be seen.

But the current incumbent could not have asked for one more ounce of energy, effort or passion from his players on the Wembley stage; and that must count for something.

United’s Scott McTominay summed it up as he said: “The team have not done so well this year but this is a moment where we can be really proud of ourselves.

"It’s a moment to celebrate with our fans because they deserve it more than anyone else in the world. Hopefully now we can kick on.”

What a day for Ten Hag, because there was so much more to this final that an historic piece of silverware that has been competed for since 1872.

There was an intense rivalry between two clubs from the same city at totally different times in their current development. There was ten Hag’s job on the line. There was European football on offer for United, and yet more history for City, who have just won their fourth Premier League in a row.

And, of course, there was the possibility of revenge for United, who lost this final against their bitter rivals in the same stadium last season (in which City also won the Premier League and Champions League).

They certainly got that revenge, and also an added bonus of qualifying for next season’s Europa League in the process, which is crucial to the team’s ongoing progression - and to a summer of recruitment ahead.

The timing of the win is perfect.

Before kick-off even their own legend Wayne Rooney, working as a pundit for the BBC, uttered what would not so long ago would have been an unthinkable phrase: “Manchester City are the biggest club in Manchester right now.” That’s enough to send a shiver down the spines of all those who have graced the red shirt, from George Best to Bobby Charlton and Eric Cantona to Roy Keane.

But United’s current side responded in the best possible fashion against a side that has just won their fourth Premier League in a row.

In a rousing first half, they pressed like we haven’t seen this season and hurtled into tackle after tackle, restricting City to few chances and leaving the champions with a growing air of frustration.

You might ask: Where has this United, and this passion, been all season? But nevertheless, their energy totally rattled City in a way we’ve rarely seen before.

There had already been a flurry of mis-placed passes from the champions when a long ball over the top of the City defence left them in a dither.

Josko Gvardiola tried to head back to goalkeeper Stefan Ortega but his goalkeeper had come too far out of his goal – and instead the ball rolled towards Garnacho, who pounced to score.

In that moment the 19-year-old became the first teenager to score in an FA Cup final since Cristiano Ronaldo for Manchester United against Millwall in 2004; and what a moment for him.

It was also only the fourth goal City have conceded in the FA Cup in two season and they looked totally stunned.

It would be easy to say it was a freak mistake from Gvardiol and a goalkeeper he isn’t used to playing with. But, in fact, United had targeted the full-back all half, pouncing on him whenever he had the ball – and that collective effort reaped dividends.

It could have been 2-0 when Marcus Rashford scored minutes later but was deemed offside. Then another teenager, Mainoo, also 19, did succeed in doubling the lead for rampant United, with a stunning goal.

A perfectly weighted cross-field pass from Rashford to Garnacho saw the winger pass inside to Bruno Fernandes, whose clever pass was expertly turned home by the nerveless Mainoo.

What a first half display, and what a boost for under-pressure Ten Hag who insisted before kick-off: “It’s not about me, it’s about the team and winning the cup.” But he knew that was only half the truth.

Manchester United's new co-owner was at Wembley, alongside Joel and Avie Glazer, and there’s little doubt the Dutchman was on trial as United plot their future under a new regime.

It was inevitable City would step up a gear after the break, and they did, with Erling Haaland hitting the bar with a snapshot early on, and Onana saving superbly from Walker.

Guardiola upped the ante by bringing on striker Julian Alvarez for midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, penning United into their own half.

Alvarez missed a glorious chance from a Phil Foden pass, guiding his shot past the post to Guardiola’s despair on the touchline, in the 65th minute, but United were dangerous on the break, too, with Garnacho testing Ortega minutes later.

City’s reply finally came from Doku after 87 minutes, his long-range effort fumbled into the net by Onana. But United, through sheer determination and concentration, were not to be denied.

A huge moment in the club’s history – and possibly an even bigger one in their future.