Also chosen by Inside United’s panel of writers are Eric Cantona (“an ingenious, innovative and utterly compelling footballer”), George Best (“such expression and freedom”), Juan Sebastian Veron (“capable of the truly spellbinding”), Dimitar Berbatov (“injected creativity into everything he did”), Wayne Rooney (“footballing intelligence on a higher plane”) and Paul Scholes (“so all-seeing and all-knowing”). It’s a roll-call of originals to make the mouth water, and makes a great read for those who appreciate a true conductor.

There is plenty more elsewhere in the issue, including an exclusive in-depth interview with breakthrough defender Willie Kambwala, which can only be read first inside the magazine’s pages.

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“On behalf of the players, the staff and myself, I’d like to thank you all for the brilliant support during the season,” said the manager, out on the pitch. 

“As you know, it wasn’t an easy season, but one thing remained constant, and that was the backing of you for the team.

“But this season is not over yet. First at Brighton, we go for three points again, and then we go to Wembley.

“I promise you that those players will give everything. Everything to end it good, to win the cup and bring it to Old Trafford.

“And we are sure that you will be there, supporting us. Thank you for being the best supporters in the world. Thank you!”

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MATCH DETAILS

United: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Evans, Dalot; Mainoo (Rashford, 83), Amrabat, McTominay; Amad (Hojlund, 83), Fernandes (Eriksen, 89), Garnacho (Martinez, 83).

Substitutes not used: Bayindir, Kambwala, Collyer, Antony, Forson.

Bookings: Casemiro, Amad, Amrabat.

Goals: Mainoo 31, Amad 57, Hojlund 84.

Newcastle: Dubravka; Trippier (Schar, 62), Krafth, Burn, Hall; Longstaff (Barnes, 77), Guimaraes, Anderson (Joelinton, 62); J.Murphy (Almiron, 62), Isak, Gordon.

Substitutes not used: Pope, Dummett, A.Murphy, White, Ritchie.

Bookings: Anderson, Gordon, Schar.

Goals: Gordon 49, Hall 90+2.

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Our no.10 rose through the Academy ranks at Carrington before breaking onto the senior scene back in February 2016, in a Europa League tie against Midtjylland. That he would go on to become a significant character for United was clear from the off, scoring twice in his debut at just 18 years old, and overtaking George Best as our youngest-ever European scorer.

He rapidly became a first-team regular following that incredible start, hitting his 100th appearance in late 2017 in a 2-2 draw against Leicester City in the Premier League, when he replaced Anthony Martial from the bench.

Rashford marked his 200th outing in the same devastating fashion he approached his first, netting a brace against Norwich City in a league game that the Reds won 4-0.

His last major milestone, the 300th time he appeared for the club, also coincidentally came against the Canaries, but this time from the bench when he replaced Alex Telles in a 3-2 win that also featured a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick.

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United face Newcastle tomorrow (Wednesday), in the final home match of 2023/24, before the Premier League campaign draws to a close at Brighton this Sunday.

There is then the small matter of the Emirates FA Cup final on Saturday 25 May, when the Reds will face Manchester City at Wembley Stadium for the second consecutive year.

Ten Hag’s squad has been affected by injuries all season long and the list of absentees has been particularly lengthy in recent weeks, with United having no recognised left-back since February.

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