‘The Carling Cup arrived at the Millennium Stadium yesterday escorted to the presentation platform by members of the Royal Welsh Regiment.
It seemed an extreme precaution, a couple of years ago Manchester United wouldn't have picked it up had it been left lying unattended on the turf. But times change. And right now, debtors can't be choosers.
Indeed, the players in red looked thrilled to receive their medals, bouncing up and down as if this was the Nou Camp 1999 all over again. The only surprise was that David May did not arrive from nowhere, as he had that treble-winning night in
What United's victory proved is this: you can also win by ensuring Wayne Rooney is in your side.
When Rooney picked up the man of the match award, the presentation was accompanied by a song from the Ordinary Boys. Never can there have been a less appropriate choice. The boy was extraordinary in
His attitude was summed up when, with five minutes to go, with his side leading 4-0, he charged 30 yards after a back-pass, making Wigan goalkeeper John Filan hurry into a flapped clearance.’