Erik ten Hag can't fix Manchester United's biggest problem alone

Manchester United had conceded in the first 10 minutes of their last three defeats to Man City. It felt like the only possible outcome when Ilkay Gundogan darted off in celebration just twelve seconds into the FA Cup final.

United have been guilty of crumbling under pressure and wilting when the heat got too much in the past. They might not be the finished article yet, but this is a team that is certainly showing the early signs of being on the right path.

Erik ten Hag's gameplan went entirely out the window after his team's disastrous start, but the sign of a top manager is that they can react in the heat of the moment and adapt to their new surroundings.

Ratings: How the United players rated vs Man City

United did exactly that as they dug deeper into the trenches to weather an early City storm and ensure the afternoon wasn't going to fade out into a forgone conclusion without a proper fight.

It wasn't exactly pretty, but it didn't need to be. All that matters on Derby Day is winning, no matter how it comes about, and that is even more apparent when the Treble is at stake as a result of it.

United were fortunate with the controversial penalty that gave them an unlikely lifeline in the match, but it is also testament to Ten Hag's management, and the way he has rejuvenated a player like Aaron Wan-Bissaka, that he was fighting so ferociously to help win it in the first place.

That response to going a goal down was testament to the new belief and mentality instilled by their manager, but ultimately the match was also a reminder that his managerial nous also has its limits.

There are players in the squad who he has made even better, those who will form a key part of his side next season, and others he has already