Five standout moments from the Women's FA Cup final

But as is always the case with a successful cup-final day out, there are so many things along the way to enjoy, pick out and talk about – so that is what I wanted to do here.

I had the privilege of being among the 76,082 in attendance at the national stadium for the Reds’ historic triumph, and below I have detailed five particularly memorable moments I spotted from my vantage point.

TOONEY’S ROCKET 

It wouldn’t be right to not include Ella’s stunning opening goal in this piece, as it is the instance that the 90 minutes will be best remembered for in years to come.

It was a timely moment of magic at the end of a half that both sides would have taken encouragement from, with the game at 0-0. Toone reserved a last burst of energy in the first 45 to drive forward from midfield and jink past a sliding Eveliina Summanen before bending an unstoppable effort into the top corner.

Our no.7 told me in a pre-final interview that she had a bus bringing 61 members of her friends and family down for the final, and it was likely the nearest and dearest of those that she was signalling to in the stands, as she wheeled away in celebration. It was a brilliant strike that proved to be the spark for a famous victory.

DUO RALLY REDS’ FAITHFUL

Shortly after Lucia Garcia had made it 4-0, Marc Skinner opted to make a triple change in the 77th minute, which involved Garcia and Jayde Riviere leaving the field.

The pair had provided United’s energy on the right flank and, with their jobs done, enjoyed a moment geeing up the fans that were behind the goal on the east side of the stadium, as they walked around the pitch and back to the bench. With cup finals often close affairs right until the very last kick, it is not often that such an opportunity can be afforded, but with the Reds’ name seemingly beginning to be engraved on the trophy, the duo took their chance to soak it all in.

The players’ enthusiasm was more than matched, and it proved to be a precursor to the full-time party that would follow.

EACH OTHER’S BIGGEST FANS

With a few minutes left on the clock, and Skinner’s side successfully seeing out the contest with a four-goal advantage, I noticed several United players that were not in the matchday squad – including long-term absentee Gabby George – leave the area behind the dugout to go in and change into United shirts for the celebrations.

They all emerged shortly after sporting their own jerseys, except for George, who was wearing ‘Toone 7’ on the back of hers. It was a nice touch, perhaps a signal of appreciation for her team-mate’s efforts on the day and a show of the camaraderie within the squad.

Toone herself – and Skinner for a brief moment! - had glasses with Millie Turner’s name on post-match too.

TEAM GAME

Another thing that I thought spoke volumes of Skinner’s group was the way that everybody was integrated and together for the celebrations at the end. Starters, subs, those not involved, coaching staff.

The players that were not in the squad on the day did not go up to the Royal Box for the trophy presentation, but notably watched on and celebrated it from down on the pitch. There was a really nice moment as those that had been up the steps returned to the field and ran over to those that hadn’t collected a medal, to restart the celebrations.

Among that latter party were Alyssa Aherne, Keira Barry, Safia Middleton-Patel, Evie Rabjohn, Jess Simpson and Emma Watson, who are young players that can be inspired to play defining parts in future successes for the club, having experienced what they did on Sunday.

OUR SEA OF RED 

The last words in this piece have to be reserved for the United fans I was lucky enough to share the terraces with at Wembley over the weekend. Many would have been in the same stadium exactly a year ago today, for the final defeat against Chelsea, and so it was brilliant that our supporters now have a day to remember under the arch, so soon after.

There is an epic video that you may have seen on our social media channels, of the moment that the players ran to the to the United end of the ground in unison at full-time, and when the camera pans to behind the goal, it really is like a sea of red. The way the players celebrated with the fans was indicative of how appreciated that backing is.

With that said, there should now be quite a homecoming to look forward to when everyone is back together again on Saturday, as Skinner’s Reds host Chelsea at Old Trafford in the final game of our Women's Super League campaign. You can get tickets for that one here.

The opinions in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Manchester United Football Club.