He was decisive in his substitutions: off came Diogo Dalot at half-time because he had been booked and was struggling against Allan Saint-Maximin. There were more moments that showed what Ten Hag is all about. “We have a history with that in Amsterdam,” Ten Hag later said of his father dancing with him at Ajax. Even as he jigged with his players there was a sense of “follow my lead” and clearly United are now all in with the 53-year-old. It should not be forgotten that during those barren years Ten Hag has been collecting silverware – three Dutch titles and two Dutch Cups with Ajax – and there is the mark of the serial winner about him. There was applause for Ten Hag from Sir Alex Ferguson as they met after the game, followed by a hug. Maybe even not this season as they continue to fight on all fronts, with West Ham in the FA Cup on Wednesday, Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday and having just knocked Barcelona out of the Europa League. Neither does it feel like it will be the last. It may have been only the League Cup, essentially the fourth most important competition in their list of priorities, but this looked very much like lift-off for United under Ten Hag as they claimed their first trophy under him and their first for six years. The personnel may be different but the band is back together. This was the First Dance and United have a liking for the tune.
Erik ten Hag shook his stuff on the pitch, dancing with Lisandro Martinez and Antony, after the final whistle and, at last, Manchester United have their new choreographer.
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