City manager Pep Guardiola underlined the difference in importance of this occasion compared to last May’s when he walked out ahead of his team wearing an – admittedly expensive-looking – white T-shirt, as opposed to his shirt and tie attire of three months earlier, which Ten Hag repeated.

Yet his desire to win remains huge, no matter what the game. The penalty shootout triumph brought a double fist-pump in celebration and it was not only when the contest was over that he made his feelings known.

At one point, he swivelled round in disgust at what he perceived to be Nico O’Reilly’s waste of possession and didn’t look that impressed by an Oscar Bobb shot that sailed harmlessly wide.

Deep down though, the City boss must have been reasonably pleased with the first 20 minutes. After all, only three of City’s FA Cup final team started on this occasion and four of his Euro 2024 contingent – Spain midfielder Rodri, plus England trio Phil Foden, John Stones and Kyle Walker – do not even return to training until Monday.

Add in the injury that sidelined Jack Grealish, four current internationals on the bench, plus new signing Savinho, and the City line-up was unrecognisable from the one that will attempt to win a fifth consecutive Premier League title and a Club World Cup across a 48-week season that may end on 13 July.

After two seasons on loan at Sheffield United, Guardiola said during the pre-season trip to the United States that he intends to keep James McAtee this term.

It would be asking a lot to think the Salford-born midfielder could emulate another academy graduate in Foden but as City assess whether to replace Argentina forward Julian Alvarez, McAtee is catching the eye.

He is industrious out of possession, which opposition defences don’t like, and does not lack confidence. In addition to hitting the post, he also took aim from 25 yards in the second half as the ball broke to him. The effort was off target but near enough to have Andre Onana scrambling.

With Bobb playing a major role in the equaliser, it will be fascinating to see how much faith Guardiola is willing to place in youngsters for what lies ahead.