In the second consecutive Manchester derby FA Cup final in two years, we saw Erik ten Hag's United tactically manipulate Pep Guardiola's City and deliver an FA Cup for the Red Devils
But how did Ten Hag manufacture this victory? And who were the key performers for United?
4-2-4 (WINGERS HIGH AND WIDE)
The idea was for Bruno Fernandes (starting as the number 9) and Scott McTominay to form the front two, but positioned deeper than the two wingers, practically as two number 10s.
The two wingers then had the task to stretch the game, pinning the City defensive line and becoming the outlet on the break.
Many attacks formed via midfield turnovers (produced by the United midfield box) then allowing them to hit wide areas in transition.
Here is an example of Alejandro Garnacho stretching the pitch, leading to United's second goal.
This image shows the early build up shape, United splitting their CB's and using Andre Onana to form that back three at the base.
This split Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne's pressing duties, allowing Sofyan Amrabat and Kobbie Mainoo to play close together in central zones, and on occasion, Amrabat could drop in unopposed to pick up the ball between the City front two and midfield line.
BRUNO FERNANDES (MY MOTM)
Fernandes was absolutely outstanding, making five tackles, two interceptions, five key passes, winning 8/11 ground duels and getting an excellent assist for Mainoo (who was also superb!).
But it was the United captain that stood out for me, making himself a nuisance out of possession, cutting off central progression with the help of McTominay from the front, forcing turnovers and then delivering pieces of quality to provide United with the chances needed to take the lead and secure the game.
OTHER UNITED KEYS
Other factors that deserve a mention, firstly Mainoo is absolutely class, technically astute on the ball, shows for it and doesn't hide.
That quality and composure to take the ball under pressure allows United time to progress into advanced areas whilst he's holding the ball, giving his teammates chances to get into more advantageous positions.
The return of Lisandro Martinez was absolutely huge for the Red Devils, progressive passes between the lines (something that's been few and far between) aggressive front foot defending and positionally excellent (that goes for Raphael Varane too).
Someone else that played a part coming from the bench was Rasmus Hojlund. His hold up play, chasing loose balls, winning fouls and giving United an outlet towards the end of the game allowed them to get reset out of possession, step up and take a breather.
That sort of centre forward play is huge when under the cosh during a game, and when City started to get on top, Hojlund was the much needed 'out ball' for the Red Devils, relieving pressure at every opportunity.
Lastly, Amrabat was very important, covered ground in that midfield, was plugging the gaps perfectly behind that initial line of pressure from Fernandes and McTominay, and was dropping in to bring the ball up when United split the two CB's, leaving him as the spare receiver behind Haaland and De Bruyne in City's press.
Overall, United deserved the win, Ten Hag got it spot on and the players carried the plan out perfectly.