Guardiola suited but booted by Erik who outclasses his rival BOSS WATCH

PERHAPS Pep Guardiola should have worn his lucky blue jumper after all.

Guardiola rarely wears a suit, but the Manchester

City boss felt sufficiently emboldened to ditch his lucky blue roll-neck for more formal attire.

Yet this final was not decided by superstition, but by United boss Erik ten Hag proving once again he can get the better of the greatest manager of the modern era, when he has the personnel at his disposal.

This may have been United’s worst season of the Premier League era but this victory, against all the odds, was vindication for Ten Hag, who was hoisted into the air by defender Lisandro Martinez at the final whistle.

On the eve of the game, Guardiola expressed sympathy for Ten Hag over the succession of injuries to key players throughout the season, which ultimately undermined the progress he made at United in his debut campaign.

But Guardiola’s sympathy came with the caveat from the City boss that “at big clubs like United or City, if you don’t always win, you’re in trouble.”

With Ten Hag still unsure of his future, despite this epic triumph, he won his second trophy in as many years at Old Trafford.

When United took the lead on the half-hour, there was no wild celebration from Ten Hag, just a couple of claps and fist-pumps, the United boss acutely aware there was still a long way to go.

Even when they doubled their lead, Ten Hag was measured, pointing skywards with both hands before taking a swig of water.

Having seen his side blow a 3-0 lead against Championship opponents Coventry, then scrape through on penalties, Ten

Hag was wise to take nothing for granted.

In the first half, his set-up and tactical approach worked to perfection.

Playing Bruno Fernandes as a false nine and Scott Mctominay as No.10 allowed United to pack the midfield and thwart City when Guardiola’s side were in possession, then hit them on the break, with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho in particular proving vital outlets to attack from out wide.

Guardiola had to change something and responded by bringing on Manuel Akanji and Jeremy Doku, the latter testing Aaron Wan-bissaka with his pace and willingness to run at him.

Yet when those changes did not yield an immediate return, Guardiola took the bold step of withdrawing Kevin De Bruyne, who was subdued throughout, for Julian Alvarez.

When Erling Haaland clattered the upright,

Andre Onana kept out a blistering goalbound shot from Kyle Walker and

Alvarez skied an effort high and wide moments later, Guardiola could not hide his frustration.

The City boss had his hands on his head in despair moments later when Alvarez somehow managed to steer the ball wide.

When Doku beat Onana at his near post there was a glimmer of hope for City, Guardiola imploring the City supporters to get behind their team.

But this was the day when Ten Hag outsmarted Guardiola and proved his enduring managerial worth.