Opinion: Fans' backing means Reds can move forward

Their ability to shape a narrative, change a vibe and dictate the mood should never be underestimated, even at a time when match-going fans can sometimes feel marginalised by the global entity that is the Premier League. They make a difference and their backing can be imperative for any club.

On 6 May, the incessant noise surrounding Manchester United grew deafening. Those waiting for the away end at Selhurst Park to add fuel to the flames on the back of a depressing 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace were left baffled by the response from those situated inside the south London ground.

The venue of some iconic moments from our Premier League past was not going to be a scene of the fans caving in to the upsetting situation and venting their frustration. 

I sincerely believe the unflinching support received after the final whistle had a profound effect, that would, ultimately, reap the huge benefit to be achieved at Wembley later that month. Of course, how events have unfolded lead us to Erik ten Hag signing a contract extension on Thursday, managing the team for a third season and striving to win more silverware.

You see, this was about togetherness. United, like the name, and the belief that the campaign could still end on a high. Most had written the Reds off before a ball was kicked. Even the Coventry City fans cascading out of Wembley to shuffle past our followers were quickly alluding to as much: "Good luck against City," deadpanned one elderly gentleman. "You're going to need it..."

After a narrow defeat to Arsenal, wins over Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion in our final two fixtures did engender some more hope that the memory of the previous year's derby final loss could be erased, but most observers saw nothing but the inevitability of a City Double to follow their Treble of 2022/23. Such a narrative heading into a major game was only exacerbated by erroneous media reports claiming Erik would lose his job, regardless of the outcome.

And so this was the backdrop to our last match of the season. The one that would define everything. The manager had addressed the Old Trafford faithful after the win over Newcastle to pledge his team would give their all to beat the Blues. He was cheered by the United fans, who remained very much behind him, and still had faith that he could mastermind the right result on the day.

While the media swirl continued apace, the boss set about motivating his troops and laying the foundations for a famous performance that ranks alongside our most wonderful triumphs in the FA Cup over many, many years. The Red Army approaching Wembley Way were in ebullient mood beforehand. It was such a contrast to some of the angst in sections of social media. There seemed no apprehension, no sense of foreboding. Even after the 2-1 loss in 2023 and concession of a deflating first-minute goal, this was merely the chance to set the record straight.

We are Manchester United. We are here to win that trophy.

As the sun shone on the iconic national stadium, the support for Ten Hag was clear and unequivocal from the outset. When the team news brought the revelation of Casemiro's absence, this still did not dampen the enthusiasm and expectation.

We can do this. 

Ten Hag, deploying Sofyan Amrabat in midfield, and looking to exploit gaps in City's defence with wide men Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, got his system spot on. Bruno Fernandes working as a false-nine and producing a display mixed with boundless energy and world-class ability, led from the front.

First blood, through Garnacho, capitalising on a mistake. And then the moment we have all replayed more times than we would care to admit, Rashford to Garnacho, to Bruno, to Kobbie Mainoo for a magical goal. The noise levels were deafening and now we had to rely on the manager and players getting over the line to complete the job in the second half. When Lisandro Martinez, with so little football in his legs, had to admit his race was run, any additional nerves were switched to roars, as he became embroiled in a spat with Kyle Walker when leaving the field.

Jonny Evans, the sort of man you would depend upon for this kind of situation, came on to help see us through. Despite Jeremy Doku's effort pulling one back, all this, ultimately, did was make the torturous closing stages part of the story when elation greeted the final whistle.

Almost the United way. Suffering to succeed.

Martinez gave Ten Hag a fireman's lift with the sort of misplaced fusion of aggression and relief we have all succumbed to during such explosions of joy.

The boss shook Pep Guardiola's hand and then could celebrate, rightly being afforded the affection directed his way. The players made sure he got to lift the trophy after advancing up the steps and the Dutchman soaked in the applause and adulation from those in the stands. There was a connection that day, as there has often been between him and those who watch United home and away. The "bond" he often refers to needs to be strong, in order for any club to achieve success.

Much is said about Manchester United. We are always in the news and the subject of debates and conversations across the world throughout each and every day.

What is refreshing is the feeling that the supporters helped win that cup by backing the boss and his players. Why confirmation of his new contract seems a validation of what was being felt at Wembley, and even in the low of the Selhurst Park defeat.

For all the noise, if focus can be trained on pulling together in one direction then more trophies can hopefully come our way. Erik said before the final that our loyal, passionate fans "deserved" the FA Cup. Many of those Reds will agree today that he deserves to continue trying to take the club forward.

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