In a match that could define Manchester United’s season, it was the youthful exuberance of Alejandro Garnacho that struck the first blow. As Stefan Ortega and Josko Gvardiol floundered in a calamitous mix-up, the 19-year-old Argentine pounced ruthlessly to give United the lead on the half-hour mark.

If Garnacho’s opener was all about predatory instinct, Kobbie Mainoo’s strike was a masterclass in team play. The 18-year-old academy graduate capped off a brilliant United move in the 39th minute, showcasing the technical quality that has earned him plaudits from the Old Trafford faithful.

Just when it seemed United would coast to a comfortable victory, Jeremy Doku breathed new life into Manchester City’s challenge. The Belgian winger’s 87th-minute strike, which crept past the outstretched Andre Onana, set up a nervy finale as Pep Guardiola’s side desperately sought an equalizer.

In the end, United’s desire and passion – qualities that manager Erik ten Hag had challenged his players to rediscover – proved the difference. Mainoo, the Man of the Match, embodied those attributes in a performance that highlighted the promise of United’s future. As the final whistle blew, the red half of Manchester celebrated a crucial victory that secures European football for next season, while their blue counterparts ran out of time in their quest to salvage a point.

Winning 2-1, coach Erik Ten Hag’s team has crowned themselves champions in the FA Cup.

With the 2023-24 FA Cup triumph, Manchester United have secured a spot in the Europa League next season, despite only finishing 8th in the Premier League.

The team that finished above them, Chelsea (7th place), will have to compete in the UEFA Europa Conference League. The 2023-24 season has now officially come to a close for Manchester United. Attention will now turn to the future of manager Erik Ten Hag. The Dutch strategist is rumored to be on the verge of being sacked by the Red Devils, regardless of the outcome in the FA Cup final.