MANCHESTER UNITED hailed Scott McTominay after noticing his “subtle s***house” tactics to help them clinch the FA Cup.
Erik ten Hag, who looks set to be sacked, watched his team produce a brilliant display to deny Premier League champions Man City a double, double as they won 2-1 at Wembley.
The Red Devils lost Casemiro from the subs bench due to an injury in the warm-up before Ten Hag broke his silence regarding his imminent sacking.
But his players put all of that drama and their miserable campaign behind them to lift the cup and stun City.
And it also means that they will be in the Europa League next season after relegating Chelsea to the Europa Conference League will Newcastle miss out completely.
Alejandro Garnacho pounced on a defensive mix-up between Stefan Ortega and Josko Gvardiol to deservedly give them the lead on half hour.
It got even better before the break as United doubled their lead courtesy of a fine finish from Kobbie Mainoo.
Speedster Jeremy Doku replaced Matteo Kovacic at half time before Kevin De Bruyne was hauled off and replaced by Julian Alvarez as Pep Guardiola tried everything to get back into it.
They huffed and puffed to find a way back as Erling Haaland thundered an effort off the crossbar but the United defence looked unbreakable.
Finally, with just three minutes of normal time remaining, City’s pressure told as Doku’s low drive from the edge of the area squeezed past the outstanding Andre Onana to set up a frantic finish.
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Fears of a City comeback escalated when the board went up for seven minutes additional time.
United bravely hung on as their fans in Wembley anxiously watched the seconds agonisingly tick by.
But they absolutely loved one moment of time-wasting by McTominay as he made his way off the bench in the dying seconds.
Mason Mount took his place on the pitch while the midfielder trudged his way back to the dug-out the long way, going behind City’s goal.
But he spotted an opportunity to waste some vital seconds after the ball had been kicked out for a City goal kick.
Goalie Stefan Ortega raced after the ball in order to restart play quickly, but by the time he got it, McTominay had already kicked another one on to the field to delay him.
His actions earned him a yellow card from the whistle but it mattered little as City were denied a double, double as United got exactly what their performance deserved.
A host of stars secured themselves hero status with the Old Trafford faithful with their performances at Wembley.
However, several were quick to hail McTominay on X after watching his time-wasting antics.
One wrote: “Scott McTominay is such a streetwise footballer and a subtle s***houser, love it.”
Another said: “McTominay throwing the ball back on the pitch is top tier intelligence.”
A third commented: “Nah McTominay that was really intelligent throwing the ball inside.”
Seconds before going up to lift the trophy, Mctominay then took part in a number of flash interviews.
And right at the end of it he showed his backing for under-pressure boss Ten Hag by saying: “We are delighted for the manager.”
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have a busy summer ahead to get Man Utd's squad in order for next season. Below SunSport gives it verdict on how they should deal with the Red Devils flops this summer.
Andre Onana – STAY: After a dodgy start at Old Trafford Onana has proven to be one of the more reliable members of the squad this season despite being peppered with shots constantly.
Altay Bayindir – GO: Reports in February suggested Bayindir was unhappy with his bit part role at Man Utd amid interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray. If profit can be made on a sale then it should be done.
Tom Heaton – STAY: Veteran goalkeeper Heaton, 38, is a reliable back-up and is on a relatively small wage at the club. So long as he is happy it makes sense to keep him.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – GO: Wan-Bissaka, 26, has never managed to make the right-back position his own. With his contract up in 2025 it makes sense to cash in now.
Diogo Dalot – STAY: Dalot, 26, has been one of Man Utd’s most consistent performers this season.
Raphael Varane – GO: If it wasn’t for his injury record there would be a strong shout to keep Varane, but costs need to be cut to allow the squad to be freshened up.
Harry Maguire – GO: Maguire has showed he has the right character to be at Man Utd but overall ability and desired profile are another matter, with Maguire too slow to play in a high line defence.
Lisandro Martinez – STAY: Martinez, 26, is second to none in terms of build up play. He needs a long-term defensive partner on the right side and to cut out the injuries which have plagued him this season.
Jonny Evans – GO: Veteran campaigner Evans could easily be on the stay list if he was only going to be a bit part player. But he has shown his advanced years at times this season.
Victor Lindelof – GO: Lindelof, 29, has been reliable if not unremarkable in his Man Utd career. He has one year left on his contract so should be moved on if a decent transfer fee can be got for him.
Willy Kambwala – STAY: He should be given the opportunity to mature for a few years behind a senior CB pairing before stepping into the first team as a starter or being moved on.
Luke Shaw – GO: One of the Premier League’s best left-backs when fit, Shaw has been a good servant when available. But alas that has been his Achilles heel once again this season.
Tyrell Malacia – STAY: Malacia, 24, was decent enough to earn some merit in his first season at Man Utd before injury ended his season and inadvertently led to his second season being a write off.
Sofyan Amrabat – GO: Amrabat, 27, looked like a world beater at the Qatar World Cup with Morocco. But he’s had an underwhelming season in England and his loan spell will almost certainly not be made permanent.
Casemiro – GO: An alarming physical decline has seen him turn from key star to burden. If a club is willing to buy the 32-year-old – who has two more years on his contract – then United should snatch their hand off.
Christian Eriksen – GO: Eriksen proved a useful asset and Ineos should look to bring in another player with similar traits, but frankly his legs have looked gone towards the end of this season.
Kobbie Mainoo – STAY: The first of the so-called untouchables, Mainoo has been a rare glimmer of hope in the Red Devils midfield this season.
Mason Mount – STAY: Mount can be given the benefit of the doubt until summer 2025 at least after a debut season riddled with injury.
Scott McTominay – STAY: McTominay, 27, has proven himself to be a brilliant plan B off the bench this season, and that is exactly why Ineos should look to keep him.
Bruno Fernandes – STAY: Man Utd’s best player since his arrival just over four years ago, Fernandes, 29, remains second-to-none when it comes to creating chances while his tenacity boosts those around him.
Antony – GO: There’s a case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history. Despite some memorable moments he simply isn’t Man Utd quality.
Anthony Martial – GO: Ultimately Martial needs to be let go when his deal runs out this summer after an appalling injury record of late.
Marcus Rashford – STAY: As easy as it would be to say Rashford should leave the club this summer, it is difficult to look at the market and find many available players capable of scoring 30 goals a season.
Alejandro Garnacho – STAY: Another third of the untouchables trio, Garnacho has made the right-wing his own since coming into it. He’s a raw talent but has shown he has the quality to improve.
Rasmus Hojlund – STAY: A slow burner in his first Man Utd season, the 21-year-old has often been starved of supply which has led to him being unable to get the goals his movement and unselfish play often merits.
Amad Diallo – STAY: In the fleeting moments he has been on the pitch for Man Utd this season, Diallo has looked dangerous and exciting. He should be given a chance to flourish with some proper chances in the first team across a whole season.
