By now, you’ll surely have seen the key moments, read the match report and taken in all the important post-match reaction from the capital.

But here are some talking points you may have missed from a derby encounter that will go down in folklore…

A WORD WITH ROONEY

It was a big day in more ways than one for Wayne Rooney, who was covering the final as part of the BBC’s studio team. Our record goalscorer did have time to catch up with MUTV prior to his television responsibilities though, giving us the heads-up that he was about to be announced as Plymouth Argyle’s head coach. And sure enough, the Pilgrims announced their new appointment on social media shortly afterwards. It will be Rooney’s fourth coaching position, following spells with Derby County, DC United and Birmingham City. Good luck down in Devon, Wazza!

TEENAGE KICKS

Ten Hag’s team contained just four survivors from last season’s final line-up, with Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Raphael Varane and Aaron Wan-Bissaka all starting in the showpiece event for the second straight year. While United’s XI was packed full of big-game experience, there was also, for the first time in two decades in a cup final, two teenagers present, in Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. The Reds duo hadn’t been born when Millwall fielded Marvin Elliott and Peter Sweeney, against United, in 2004. Cristiano Ronaldo scored for us in that game, the last teenager to net in a final, before Saturday…

LATE SUB SWITCH

Casemiro, who has been playing at centre-back in recent weeks, was initially listed among the substitutes and the Brazilian’s name was printed on the team-sheets handed out to the media at Wembley. However, the 32-year-old had been struggling with an injury in the build-up to the game and unfortunately could not be involved in the capital, with his place in the squad eventually being taken by young defender Willy Kambwala.

LOVE FOR LICHA

We’ve been denied the chance of seeing Lisandro Martinez in a United starting line-up for much of this season, so it was life-affirming to see the Argentina international seamlessly slotting back in alongside last season’s partner Varane at the back. The World Cup winner waged – and won – an entertaining early battle with City top scorer Erling Haaland, nudging the Norwegian out of the way and also getting a telling touch to a couple of teasing crosses from the Sky Blues' right. His work in possession wasn’t too bad either, as he impressively split the Sky Blues’ midfield in two with an incisive pass to Scott McTominay when starting a breakaway. Cramp eventually got the better of him, as he was subbed for Jonny Evans on 73 minutes, but it was a hugely impressive showing from the Reds’ no.6.

PRESSING WITH PURPOSE

Even the most optimistic of Reds couldn't have conjured a vision of a first half like that, surely? For 30 minutes, Erik ten Hag's plan was working perfectly, with United solid at the back and looking threatening every time we moved the ball forward. There had already been a few shaky moments for City at the back even before Garnacho’s opener, as Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay worked hard to hassle and harry the Sky Blues in possession. That clearly rattled Josko Gvardiol and Stefan Ortega, whose shared mix-up allowed Alejandro to tap into an empty net. 1-0.

LIQUID FOOTBALL

If the first goal relied on a mistake, the second arrived via pure footballing inspiration. Garnacho’s direct running plus Fernandes’s insouciant flick equalled an opening for Mainoo, and the 19-year-old – playing in the FA Youth Cup final with Garnacho just two years ago – took his chance perfectly, curling into the far corner before Ortega could move.

FIDGETY FLETCH

United had the two-goal advantage entering the second half but things can change so quickly in football. Darren Fletcher knows all about that and the former Reds favourite, situated down the row in the press box, by the analysts and goalkeeping coaches, couldn’t sit still, biting his nails and bellowing encouragement. We all knew it was going to be a long second half, as substitute Jeremy Doku started to make an impact and City began turning the screw.

A WORD FOR AMRABAT

Goalscorers Garnacho and Mainoo will receive plenty of plaudits, as will the defensive unit, so a word for Sofyan Amrabat. The Morocco was impressive throughout, especially considering he was up against one of the best in the business, Rodri. He always seemed to be in the right place at the right time when City were threatening to break in numbers and has done well when given a run in the side in the closing games of the campaign.

SEEING IT OUT

Doku eventually found the breakthrough, leaving the Reds with the task of managing the final 10 minutes. A City equaliser would have been heartbreaking, but the team showed real smarts to break the game up and stop Pep Guardiola’s men from building up a head of steam. McTominay took a booking for the cause, kicking the ball away as he departed the pitch in added time, which was greeted rapturously by the travelling Reds.

UNRIVALLED SUPPORT

On that note, the United end of the national stadium was simply sublime. Ten Hag has spoken endlessly about the defiance of the fans throughout a tough season and they delivered for one final time in 2023/24. A red, white and black wall of noise from first whistle to last, the players could not wait to celebrate the triumph in front of the East Stand as soon as Andy Madley brought proceedings to a halt.

TAKING THE CELEBRATIONS IN

There was just too much to look at in the post-match stramash. Whether it was Sir Alex Ferguson singing along to Glory Glory Man United in the stands, Mainoo dancing on the pitch with a bucket hat on his head or Kambwala pausing to say a prayer, joy completely enveloped the red side of the stadium. Glory is what football is all about and you really did just have to take a moment to drink it all in.

CUP WINNERS MERCH

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