- Manchester United have won the FA Cup by beating rivals Man City 2-1
- Erik ten Hag’s future remains in the balance despite his side’s FA Cup glory
- Kane first, Saka second… which player in Gareth Southgate’s squad has the third most goals for England? Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off! Podcast
Man United have won the FA Cup after beating derby rivals Man City 2-1 in the final at Wembley, as goals from academy graduates Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho ensured the iconic trophy would be heading back to the red half of Manchester.
Prince William was introduced to both sets of players by respective captains Bruno Fernandes and Kyle Walker as teams stepped out onto the hallowed turf and beamed as he shook hands with every competitor.
The Duke of Cornwall later took his place in the stands and was joined by his son and future heir to the throne Prince George, with both kitted out in matching suits as they fulfilled their FA duties.
Thousands made the trip down to England’s capital from the northwest in a repeat of last year’s FA Cup final that Manchester City won on that occasion on their way to completing a historic Treble.
Popular celebrities including former Olympian and Dancing on Ice star Greg Rutherford soaked up the pre-match atmosphere in the luxury setting of Club Wembley’s Bobby Moore restaurant.
Erik ten Hag’s future dominated the pre-match discussion but he celebrated at full-time as Man United won the FA Cup
Goals from United youngsters Kobbie Mainoo (left) and Alejandro Garnacho (right) secured the 2-1 win
Prince William completed his pre-match FA duties by shaking the hands of all players and officials
Prince George was dressed in a matching suit to his father as he watched the action unfold from the stands at Wembley
Other notable celebrities including Love Island reality television duo Andrew Page and Tasha Ghouri.
However, the majority of the pre-match focus wasn’t on the on-pitch action but instead on the future of Man United manager Erik ten Hag who was reported to be on the verge of getting sacked.
It was claimed that the Dutchman would have his £9m-per-year contract torn up regardless of the result. It is still yet to be confirmed whether he will be allowed to continue or not.
Should he be sacked then it would be a cruel twist of fate for the 54-year-old after fellow Dutchman Louis van Gaal was previously sacked by United in 2016 amidst United’s FA Cup celebrations.
Ten Hag was defiant pre-match in the face of adversity, stating in an interview taking place with a publication in his native Holland that United’s sporting board – led by British petrochemical billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe – that they wanted him to lead their revolution.
However, United have already started their enquiries with other managers, most notably former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel who wants to return to the Premier League, while Gareth Southgate has also been discussed.
Southgate took his place in the stands at the home of English football and was a keen observer as several members of his upcoming England squad took to the pitch ahead of the upcoming European Championship.
Man United’s 19-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was one player in particular that warranted the attention of the Three Lions boss as he doubled his side’s lead with a brilliant first half strike.
Garnacho opened the scoring for United after pouncing on a defensive mistake by Man City
Mainoo starred with a composed performance at Wembley as he scored United’s second goal
Ten Hag was the more animated manager on the touchline as his competitor Pep Guardiola looked on with frustration
Mainoo was only given his first senior England call-up at the last set of friendly games in March, wasting no time in proving his ability and included in Southgate’s provisional squad for the June competition in Germany.
His composed performance against Man City – topped by a brilliant goal – means he is now amongst the favourites to be on the plane to Germany when Southgate cuts his squad down to just 26 players.
One of those not in contention for a place in his team was Marcus Rashford after the United superstar was a shock omission by Southgate following a difficult campaign.