Two-year anniversary for Manchester United showed why the future is bright

Manchester United won the FA Cup for the first time in eight years after beating Manchester City 2-1 in a thrilling game at Wembley, ending the Blues' hopes of winning a double.

United were outsiders heading into the final having finished 31 points behind City in the Premier League table but they produced one of their best performances of the season to lift the silverware.

They stifled Pep Guardiola's side throughout the game and struck twice in the first half through teenagers Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, before withstanding City pressure in the second half, with Jeremy Doku's late goal adding some tension.

The win secures United a route into Europe next season with a spot in the Europa League guaranteed for the FA Cup winners.

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Teenage kicks

Two years ago Mainoo and Garnacho started in the FA Youth Cup final. Now here they were, a pair of 19-year-olds winning the FA Cup together at Wembley and finding themselves on the scoresheet.

There was something fitting about the two teens scoring those first-half goals. They have been among the best players for United this season and the development of both is a positive in a season swamped by negativity. This is also a club with an indelible link to young players.

Garnacho was starting his 39th consecutive game in the cup final and has been on the teamsheet for every match since November 1. It's a staggering run for a player who had never started more than two successive games until then but he was outstanding against City, finding space in behind Josko Gvardiol.

He made his own luck for his goal with his non-stop running and his desire to put pressure on the defence. He then