As the seconds ticked by underneath the Wembley arch, Manchester United needed a jolt of inspiration. Erik ten Hag's side had battled well to stay in the game against Man City but they lacked the same attacking energy or enterprise that their neighbours had in abundance.
It is performances in these showpiece finals that can define the legacy of a player. It was the no-show from Jadon Sancho that cast further doubt over his future at the club.
That spark wasn't as bright as they hoped, but it did flicker towards the end. Not from their £73million forward, but from one who cost them just £100,000 instead. Read next: What Xavi said about Sheikh Jassim While Sancho operates with a more methodical and considered style of play, teenager Alejandro Garnacho prefers a fast and frantic one.
As the other attackers strolled around at a relaxed park-run pace, Garnacho livened up the attack as if he were being chased by a pack of wolves.