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.
However, pre-match brawls between both sets of supporters threatened to sour the occasion with a group clashing near a bus stop in Station Road, Harrow in the lead-up.
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
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.
One shirtless fan was seen grappling on the floor at a bus stop with traffic at a standstill before more men pile in. Kicks and punches were thrown – and bottles thrown – during the shocking scenes in the hours ahead of the eagerly-anticipated final.
Fans of the two sides were allocated certain pubs to drink in across north-west London ahead of the match but that didn’t stop the clashes in the street with police concerned about possible violence.
Meanwhile, 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.
Other notable celebrities including Love Island reality television duo Andrew Page and Tasha Ghouri also posed for pictures in the luxury setting of one of Wembley’s bars.
However, the majority of the pre-match focus wasn’t about the on-pitch action but instead on the future of Man United manager Erik ten Hag who is reported to be on the verge of getting sacked.
It is claimed the Dutchman will 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.
Marcus Rashford was emotional at full-time as United’s victory over their rivals was confirmed
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
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, 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.
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 subsequently 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.
Man City players cut dejected figures as they were denied the chance at a second consecutive double
Other notable celebrities including Love Island reality television duo Andrew Page and Tasha Ghouri also posed for pictures in the luxury setting of one of Wembley’s bars
One of those not in contention for a place in his team however was Marcus Rashford after the United superstar was a shock omission by Southgate following a difficult campaign.
Rashford was determined to prove his worth to both club and country and started brightly, enjoying numerous challenges with fellow Englishman Kyle Walker and providing key contributions in the build-up to both goals.
The 26-year-old was later withdrawn as Ten Hag opted for fresher legs in attack as City desperately searched for a way back into the game.
Belgian winger Jeremy Doku inspired hope of a late comeback after scoring deep in the game but it would only count as a consolation as United held their nerve that could hand a lifeline to Ten Hag.