Manchester United get it right when it matters most vs Man City

'We're the boys in blue coming after you' read the banner in the Manchester City section. It was United who gave City a chasing.

Lisandro Martinez lifted Erik ten Hag off his feet and embarked on an impromptu lap of honour. Some players collapsed in ecstasy. Others embraced whoever was nearest to them.

United saved the best until last. This was the United their ardent followers recognised, five weeks on from an unpalatable performance against a weaker sky-blue-shirted outfit on the same turf.

Of all United's 13 FA Cup final triumphs, this has to be United's sweetest and most celebrated since the double-double clincher against Liverpool in 1996. City have to settle for a single.

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It would not be United without some drama and Jeremy Doku's avoidable 87th-minute strike threatened to trigger extra-time. Seven minutes were added on. United reverted to a defensive trident and a stirring chorus of "United" reverberated around the stadium.

John Stones miscontrolled the ball and it bounced out for a goal kick. Diogo Dalot savoured a solo celebration. A United social media staff member prematurely sprinted onto the pitch, mistaking the referee's whistle for full-time. Bruno Fernandes ushered him back to the touchline. Seconds later, the final shrill pierced the Wembley air and dozens poured onto the pitch.

A season fraught with negativity has ended on an uplifting positive. Another year will be chiselled onto the honours' board and Old Trafford will host European football next season.

Whether Ten Hag is in the dugout remains to be seen. It would be churlish to dwell on that now after he masterminded United's finest performance not just of his tenure but