Sunday 24 April 2016 21:39, UK
Alan Pardew guided Crystal Palace to the second FA Cup final in their history - and the Eagles boss is determined to go one better than the class of 1990.
But it was Yannick Bolasie's sixth-minute opener that evoked memories of Steve Coppell's side who reached the final 26 years ago, where they lost to United after a replay.
As a player Pardew had memorably nodded the Eagles into that final with their dramatic extra-time winner against Liverpool.
And just over a quarter of a century later, as Palace manager, he was celebrating with a clenched fist and a knowing grin as the current Eagles side created a carbon copy.
This time it was Yohan Cabaye, rather than Andy Gray, who swung in a corner towards the near post.
Damien Delaney reprised the Andy Thorn flick-on and Bolasie applied the Pardew finish, squeezing his header between the far post and Hornets goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon.
"We paid a bit of homage to that side with the flick-on for the corner," smiled Pardew. "Steve Coppell can take a bit of credit for that one.
"This is a different team, with a different spirit, but the characteristics are similar to 1990. They are hard-working, diligent, with good defenders and some pace on the attack.
"I just hope the destiny isn't the same result in the final."