Manchester United are FA Cup champions for the first time in eight years after a dramatic victory in Saturday's final against rivals Manchester City.
Erik ten Hag's United side went into the game as fierce underdogs after a lacklustre season which would have had most fans counting down the days to the season's end.
They would pull off a major shock in the decider at Wembley on Saturday, with two teenagers getting them over the line against Pep Guardiola's City juggernaut.
Ahead of the game, ex-Manchester United captain Roy Keane had called out the standards of manager Erik ten Hag - but the Dutchman enjoyed a jab back at the Irishman at full-time.
READ HERE: Stephen Kenny Makes Sobering Admission On Current St. Pats Squad
READ HERE: "I Was Watching Netflix" - Damien Duff Not Getting Carried Away As Shels Beat Rovers
Erik ten Hag had brilliant quip for Roy Keane after Manchester United FA Cup victory
Manchester United made a sensational start to the final, limiting City to just three shots in the first half as their defensive system limited the effectiveness of Guardiola's machine.
Though United did not see much of the ball in the opening 45 minutes, they looked dangerous any time they visited the City half.
They would get a bit of luck for their opener, as a defensive mixup between Josko Gvardiol and stand-in goalkeeper Stefan Ortega allowed Alejandro Garnacho to put United 1-0 up.
What was Stefan Ortega doing here? 🤯 #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/I549ih75hk
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) May 25, 2024
United's second strike was an outstanding goal. Marcus Rashford first switched the play to Garnacho on the right, before a delightful disguised pass from Bruno Fernandes found Kobbie Mainoo to finish in front of their rivals' fans.
An absolutely sensational goal from Manchester United! That assist from Fernandes 🤤 #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/vWH5p5ZnPO
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) May 25, 2024
Manchester City were drastically improved in the opening stages of the second half and had ten Hag's United side stretched for large periods.
Erling Haaland, Kyle Walker, and Julian Alvarez all went close in quick succession but the United rearguard held firm in the face of immense pressure.
A late goal from Jeremy Doku would make it a nervy finish for Manchester United, but they saw out seven minutes of injury time to come out as FA Cup winners.
It had been an extremely difficult season up until now for Manchester United but they have at least finished it on a memorable high.
Much of the buildup to the final was defined by questions about Erik ten Hag's future as United manager, with Roy Keane among those to say that the pressure on the Dutchman was justified.
When ten Hag came to speak to Keane and the ITV panel after the game, the United manager had a pop at the Corkman's previous exploits in coaching, prompting a wry smile from Keane.
Keane: "You must be proud of them, we've always questioned players about their quality at Man United, but character and leadership. They showed character today - which I had questioned, and a lot of people have...you shouldn't listen to them pundits anyway! Take no notice of the pundits."
Ten Hag: "But you told me!"
Keane: "No, them two! [Pointing at Joleon Lescott and Ian Wright]"
Ten Hag: "You had trouble to manage a team!"
Keane: "Ah, I won a Championship with Sunderland...give me some praise, ah come on! You're too harsh on me!"
The pair would share a wry smile, with Keane acknowledging that ten Hag had jabbed back well at him.
Even if this is to be the end for ten Hag at United, he has at least given the club's fans a parting gift with a memorable victory at Wembley stopping their bitter rivals from claiming back-to-back doubles.
SEE ALSO: BBC Panel In Stitches After Wayne Rooney's Micah Richards Story
