Manchester United have struggled in the years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired and are still trying to return to the top of the Premier League.

Seven permanent managers have taken the reins at Old Trafford since the legendary Scot left as a Premier League winner in 2013, but none have been successful.

Michael Carrick, the latest in charge at the club, started well last season but is experiencing struggles so far this term, with just two wins in all competitions so far.

However, even though there hasn't been the same level of success as under Ferguson, the Reds have still had some great moments in the last 13 years.

The Europa League final in 2017 was a standout moment, as was the FA Cup victory over Crystal Palace the year beforehand.

However, many fans would agree that the best moment of the post-Ferguson era was when Erik ten Hag's side overcame rivals Manchester City in the 2024 FA Cup final at Wembley.

Manchester United's latest FA Cup final win was not only special because it was against Pep Guardiola's City. It was the manner of the victory which made it so sweet.

In a 2-1 win, both of United's goals came from academy graduates – Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho – and Mainoo's winner was a brilliantly worked goal.

Ferguson, writing in his new book Games of My Life, explains how he felt when that goal hit the back of the net at Wembley.  

“For me, the highlight of the game was the second goal, scored by one of our local boys, Kobbie Mainoo," the ex-manager stated.

“Marcus Rashford was deep in United’s half on the left flank and played a spectacular cross-field ball to Alejandro Garnacho, who passed to Bruno Fernandes, who, in turn, made a deft little flick to Kobbie. And Kobbie, calm player that he is, popped in our second.

“It was glorious – City were roasted, sliced and served. The whole build-up should have been accompanied by a heavenly chorus and, in my own mind, it was.”

While Kobbie Mainoo is out injured for the time being, there is no doubt that hearing those words from the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson will be a huge boost for his confidence. 

Manchester United have not started the campaign in brilliant fashion, but a confident Mainoo alongside Carlos Baleba could be very difficult to defend against. 

It is always great to hear or read Ferguson talking about United, and it is no surprise that he loved that Mainoo winner.

While there is always a time for possession and concise build-up, that goal was an example of United being able to move from back to front quickly and hurt teams with the speed at which they could move the ball.

That is exactly what made Ferguson's teams so exciting to watch.

There needs to always be a balance, but United need to be a team that can be devastating on the break, and that should be the aim for whoever is in charge.