Ian Wright laid into Manchester United's tactics after the Red Devils were beaten in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
Erik ten Hag's men got off to the worst possible start, going 1-0 down in just 12 seconds courtesy of Ilkay Gundogan's stunning volley. Bruno Fernandes did level from the penalty spot before the break, but Gundogan was on target again in the second period with what proved the defining goal.
United struggled to put the pressure on their rivals as they sought a second equaliser, although did hit the bar in a goalmouth scramble while the introduction of Alejandro Garnacho also caused City problems.
But afterwards, few disputed the notion that Pep Guardiola's side were worthy winners as they completed the second leg of a targeted treble.
And working as a pundit for Wright told ITV Football that United's lack of ambition in attach cost them dear: "I thought we would see more from Manchester United," he said.
"They improved after Garnacho came on and he definitely should have started the game for me. He proved he had a little bit more thrust about him. Other than that, Manchester City were in total control really. It was quite tepid from United in the end."
Whilst United only had 40 per cent of possession, they did manage 13 shots to City's 11. And in his post-match press conference, Ten Hag seemed to dispute Wright's view and instead praised his side's character.
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"We were very competitive and had some very good organisation," he argued. "We were hard to beat and didn’t allow much open play against the best team in the world at the moment.
"We fought back from a quick goal down and we are maybe the only team in the world who are capable of fighting back against City. It’s hard when you concede a goal so quickly but you see once again, the mentality and character of this team is very good. We stayed calm."
Whilst Ten Hag's focus will now turn to boosting his reinforcements this summer, a notion currently hampered by the ongoing takeover saga as the Glazer family continue to stall over the proposed sale of the club, City will now be hell bent on matching the 1998/99 feat of their rivals. Guardiola and co face Inter Milan in Istanbul on Saturday in the Champions League final, and are overwhelming favourites to land a first European crown.
