Phil McNulty, ` Sport’s chief football writer at Wembley
United’s renaissance under Ten Hag now has a tangible reward in the form of a trophy, with the power to add even more this season.
The Dutchman’s strong leadership and tactical acumen have transformed them since that nightmare earlier in the season, losing at home to Brighton and scoring four first-half goals in a humiliating defeat at Brentford.
The arrival of the towering Casemiro, the superb development of the pugnacious Lisandro Martinez and Rashford’s rejuvenation have all helped put the Old Trafford team back into serious business.
They weren’t at their best but once they got that final under control they wouldn’t let Newcastle in – and that was very much a case of mission accomplished.
The focus was on Casemiro, a truly transformative acquisition. The Brazilian not only made the decisive contribution with the opening goal, but also shaped his years of trophy experience with Real Madrid with his professional positioning and sovereignty.
It will also fuel the growing belief that Ten Hag is the manager who will take Manchester United forward and out of the wilderness that engulfed them prior to his arrival earlier in the season.
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