United enhance brilliant FA Cup record

Erik ten Hag's men led 2-0 at the break, through goals from Academy graduates Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, and held out for victory, despite Jeremy Doku pulling one back late on.

It was truly a team effort, with everybody playing a heroic part, and the supporters inside the national stadium deserve much credit too for their vocal backing during a fabulous occasion.

But, taking stock, what does it mean about United's overall record in the FA Cup?

The Reds have appeared in the final on the most occasions, 22, and only Arsenal (14) have lifted the trophy more times than our 13 as we closed the gap on the Gunners.

Our maiden triumph was back in 1909, beating Bristol City at Crystal Palace, before a long wait and a first piece of silverware under Sir Matt Busby, in 1948, with a famous 4-2 victory over Blackpool.

In 1963, Leicester City were overcome 3-1 to ensure a first trophy since the Munich Air Disaster, and there were some unforgettable moments in 1977 (beating Liverpool to deny them the chance of a Treble),  1983 (seeing off Brighton & Hove Albion 4-0 in a replay) and 1985 (preventing Everton from doing the Double and winning three trophies). 

Sir Alex Ferguson kickstarted his period of glory with the 1990 success and also got his hands on the trophy in 1994, 1996, 1999 and 2004.

In 2016, a nine-year absence from the final was ended with an extra-time win against Crystal Palace, as homegrown hero Jesse Lingard made it 2-1 for Louis van Gaal's side. 

Of course, there has been final heartache for United too, more times than any other club (nine), including losses to Chelsea and Manchester City in our previous visits before last weekend's showpiece event.

Perhaps it says a lot about the club's resilience that we bounced back from the 2023 reverse to the Blues to avenge that defeat a year on, despite the fact they were closing on the Double after wrapping up a fourth Premier League title in a row.

This was the third time we have returned the following season to lift the cup after being runners-up in the previous campaign.

In 1976, manager Tommy Docherty promised the fans the team would atone for a shock 1-0 loss to Southampton and, 12 months later, a 2-1 victory against Liverpool certainly more than made amends.

A 1-0 defeat to Everton in 1995 ultimately stopped us winning the competition three years in a row, as the 1994 and 1996 terms both ended with Double delight for Ferguson's men.

Yet, first and foremost, last Saturday's sweet day out at Wembley ensured we ended a stretch of eight years without having our name etched on the trophy. Too long for those who grew up watching the Reds holding it aloft so all credit to Erik and his players for a monumental effort.

With United Women also starting their own winning legacy in the competition by beating Tottenham in this year's final to make it a special club double, smiles will be kept on supporters' faces throughout the summer.