Aside from the obvious progression into a first domestic cup final since 2018, the joyous return to action of Jadon Sancho on Wednesday evening was the highlight for the 70,000-plus inside Old Trafford.
The 22-year-old came on to a raucous welcome on 63 minutes, beaming with pride and cracking a joke with Erik ten Hag from the sidelines. 10 minutes later, Anthony Martial and Fred turned a comfortable 3-0 aggregate scoreline into an unassailable one, booking United's place at Wembley come February 26 in the process.
It was Sancho's first appearance in 102 days - his last coming in the 1-1 draw at Chelsea in October - and came a fortnight after his first involvement in full first-team training since the end of that same month. Physical fitness was at the core of the problem, with Ten Hag sanctioning an individual programme in the Netherlands while the rest of the squad flew to Marbella in December, but a lack of enjoyment in the game and the pressure of a £73million price-tag seemed to weigh heavy.
ALSO READ: United release statement after Mason Greenwood charges dropped
It is the latter aspect that made Wednesday's beaming return all the more encouraging for Ten Hag, the Dutchman making a point in his post-match media duties to focus on the emotion around football.
"Most important players enjoy football, which gives energy," Ten Hag said. "That gives them the motivation to act and to perform.
"I think it was great, the reception from the fans to him, and also that will give him even more a push to continue in the way he’s now acting, he's just started again, the restart he’s back at Carrington for two weeks, we see that smile and hopefully he can keep that and contribute to the team."
For inspiration, Sancho need only look as far as the opposite wing and Marcus Rashford. The forward failed to score in any of his final 15 games last season and went into the summer of 2021 disillusioned and horribly out of form.
This season started better - three goals in six games - and has progressed into one of the most prolific campaigns of his career, a run of 10 goals in as many games leading to consecutive Player of the Month awards as United cement their place in the top-four and continue to progress in every available competition.
Speaking back in October, Ten Hag revealed his first conversations with Rashford, pointing to the same key principles of enjoyment: "From day one I was so excited to work with him. I saw his status and I knew already the impact he could have and his potential. Now he’s bringing that potential to the pitch so I’m really happy with his development.
"I told him on day one, I want to see you smiling every day. We said that we would prepare the training sessions and then it’s up to you to love the training and give your best because when you feel pressure in training and enjoy it you will give your best.
"If you give your best you will improve and you will perform on the pitch. Then life is easy and your performance will go up."
On the evidence of the months that followed, Rashford has clearly heeded that message. The 25-year-old's return to his scintillating best has coincided with an enjoyment of playing for United again, that beaming smile following the now iconic celebration with each strike.
Sancho has many a hurdle to overcome still before he can cement a place in Ten Hag's future plans, but the former Borussia Dortmund star took a huge step on Wednesday and can now continue to contribute over the coming months. Remaining fit physically will prove a challenge, but rekindling a love for the daily grind of professional football will provide the key.
READ NEXT
