After conceding a second goal, Blackburn Rovers were completely roused. They attacked frantically, disregarding the consequences and abandoning their defensive shape as they threw everyone forward.
In response, Mourinho wisely replaced Palacio with Essien, then took off the tiring Juninho and introduced Alou Diarra. He instructed the entire team to retreat into their own half and defend.
With three defensive midfielders once again stationed in front of New Manchester United's back four, Blackburn struggled to find a way through.
Despite controlling possession, attacking relentlessly, and pinning New Manchester United back, they could not breach the Red Rebels' defence.
That was especially true of Andy Cole.
Cole was undoubtedly frightening when he found his rhythm, but he was clearly out of sorts in this match.
He had performed well during the opening 20 minutes, but after that, opportunities became scarce and he gradually faded from the game. As Blackburn fell further behind, his frustration only increased.
In such an agitated state, Cole perfectly matched Hoddle's earlier description of him.
In fact, Hoddle might even have understated the problem.
During Blackburn's relentless pressure in the final 15 minutes, Cole received at least two excellent opportunities, but chose to shoot on both occasions and failed to score.
When Graham Poll blew the final whistle, the New Manchester United players rushed towards the dugout together.
They surrounded Mourinho, the brilliant tactician behind their victory, and repeatedly tossed him into the air.
In the stands, the supporters sang New Manchester United's anthem over and over again, as though they would never grow tired of it.
"This is a club with something magical about it," John Motson said excitedly.
"It is difficult to believe they were founded only four years ago, yet in that time they have already won the League Cup.
"They are also the favourites to secure promotion to League One this season and currently sit top of League Two."
"This team possesses exceptional tactical discipline. The players carry out their manager's instructions without hesitation.
"At the same time, they are capable of producing moments of individual brilliance.
"Curtis, Palacio, Juninho, Hleb, who could deny that these players possess extraordinary talent?
"And yet, before this season, most of them were virtually unknown."
"Now, after winning the League Cup, this club will become known throughout the country.
"They can finally stand proudly and declare, 'We are the Red Rebels. We have our own identity, our own pride, and we never surrender!'"
Motson sounded particularly emotional.
As Martin Tyler had told him privately, they had witnessed the rise of a remarkable football club.
Although Motson had not followed every stage of their journey as closely as Tyler, he had still been fortunate enough to witness their greatest moment so far.
"The Red Rebels were outstanding today," Martin Tyler said.
"Every player carried out Mourinho's tactical plan diligently.
"For a League Two side to defeat Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-finals and then overcome Blackburn in the final, you have to acknowledge the enormous potential within this club.
"I am already looking forward to seeing what they can achieve in next season's UEFA Cup."
Motson smiled mischievously.
"Martin, I suspect the FA may already have a headache.
"I doubt they ever imagined that a League Two club would represent England in the UEFA Cup next season.
"And should New Manchester United somehow fail to win promotion this year, that would make the situation even more remarkable."
As an experienced journalist, Tyler immediately recognised the humour in the situation.
However, he believed that outcome was unlikely.
New Manchester United had performed exceptionally well in League Two that season.
Had they not been competing on several fronts, they might already have opened a much larger gap over Brentford.
"The official decision has now been announced," Motson continued.
"Palacio has been named Man of the Match.
"The young Argentine produced an outstanding performance, contributing one assist and one goal as New Manchester United defeated Blackburn.
"He fully deserves the award."
To Motson's surprise, Martin Tyler shook his head.
"Personally, I would have selected Juninho.
"He may have appeared quieter and lacked Palacio's flair, but his control of midfield was the key to New Manchester United's victory.
"Without Juninho dictating the tempo, I doubt they would have defeated Blackburn."
Motson laughed.
"Either way, the bottle of champagne is not ours to award."
...
After the match, Ethan entered the dressing room with Walsh and Mark Davey.
He immediately announced that all the prize money would be distributed among the players.
He also promised another generous reward if the team secured promotion, thanking them for everything they had contributed throughout the season.
Ethan had never been miserly when it came to rewarding the squad.
Over the years, the club's bonuses had been among the most generous in English football, especially considering that New Manchester United had spent most of that time in the lower divisions.
"You were magnificent, lads.
"This club has existed for only four years, but we have already won three league titles, two cup competitions, and now we have also won... the League Cup."
Ethan was visibly overwhelmed.
He felt prouder than he could possibly express.
"I could not ask for anything more from you.
"But I hope you can postpone your celebrations until the season is over.
"Our position in the league is becoming difficult. Brentford, Brighton, and Reading are all closing the gap.
"We need to push even harder.
"I do not want people saying at the end of the season, 'That team could not even win promotion from League Two, but somehow they won the League Cup. They were just lucky. They will embarrass England in the UEFA Cup next season.'"
Ethan paused and tried to calm himself.
It was useless.
He remained so excited that he could not stop smiling.
"Lads, we are going to play in the UEFA Cup next season!
"We are going to make all of Europe recognise us!
"We..."
Ethan became almost incoherent with emotion.
Curtis walked over with a smile and wrapped him in a tight embrace.
"You're too excited, Boss. Far too excited."
As soon as he finished speaking, Curtis felt tears gathering in his own eyes.
The other players approached one after another and surrounded Ethan.
They pulled him into the centre of the group and embraced him tightly.
Mourinho, the coaching staff, Walsh, and everyone standing around the edge soon joined them.
No one spoke.
They simply held on to one another.
The embrace was so tight that no one could have pulled them apart.
When Ethan decided to establish the Red Rebels, nobody had imagined that four years later the club would win the League Cup.
Even fewer had imagined that they would qualify for European competition.
Yet now, they had accomplished both.
Some might say the achievement belonged to Mourinho.
Others might credit the players.
However, only those inside the club, including Mourinho and the players themselves, fully understood how much of it belonged to Ethan.
He had founded the club.
He had brought the players to England one by one, many of them from obscurity or the lower levels of football.
He had encouraged and supported them when they were frustrated or disheartened.
He had also given Mourinho his complete backing whenever the manager faced doubt and criticism.
Football was a business, and playing it was a profession.
Every player wanted to earn a higher salary and prove himself on a larger stage.
No one could guarantee that every member of the squad would remain with New Manchester United the following season, particularly after performing so well.
One thing, however, was certain.
At that moment, their hearts were bound tightly to Ethan and the Red Rebels.
The FA official sent to remind New Manchester United to attend the trophy presentation stopped outside the dressing room.
Through the open door, he watched the emotional scene unfolding inside and found himself deeply moved.
At last, he understood why this team had come so far and repeatedly defeated opponents who had appeared impossible to overcome.
It was because that rebellious spirit was embedded in the club's very identity.
...
The League Cup trophy presentation took place in front of the supporters.
Juninho represented the team as captain and stepped forward to lift the trophy.
At that moment, every camera and journalist focused on New Manchester United.
The club was so young, yet already so impressive.
Their players had performed so brilliantly that many observers were already wondering whether the squad might be broken apart during the summer by offers from clubs in higher divisions.
There was no shortage of such examples in football.
Ajax remained the classic case.
Everyone could only hope that New Manchester United would avoid the same fate.
Just as the ceremony was about to end, and the reporters believed there would be no further news, Ethan walked onto the pitch.
Walsh and Mark followed behind him.
Ethan stopped Mark Hughes, who was preparing to leave the field.
"Mark!"
Ethan smiled as he held out a New Manchester United shirt.
Compared with Manchester United's expensive replica kits, the Red Rebels' shirts were relatively affordable.
They were also red, but the green and gold trim shone brilliantly beneath the stadium lights.
"We want you to know that today, you are also one of the winners," Ethan said with a smile.
Hughes had met Ethan and the others several times during his Manchester United career.
Now, faced with this gesture, he was overcome by mixed emotions and almost began to cry.
Cantona had once said that Manchester United's board cared only about money.
They had agreed a contract extension with him before reversing their decision, prompting him to retire in anger.
Now, those same greedy and arrogant directors had also driven away part of the club's support, forcing those fans to establish a new club that could carry on their love for Manchester United's green and gold heritage.
Because of that, Hughes felt a deep connection with the Red Rebels.
He accepted the shirt from Ethan.
The number 10 was printed on the back, the same number Hughes had worn during his Manchester United career.
Without hesitation, Hughes removed his Blackburn shirt and pulled on the Red Rebels' number 10 jersey.
He then embraced Ethan tightly.
The media described the moment as recognition of the Red Rebels by an iconic member of an earlier Manchester United generation.
The image of Hughes embracing Ethan attracted particular attention.
Although neither man said anything, the newspapers interpreted the gesture as a public declaration of Hughes's support for Ethan and his club.
They had rebelled only because they had once loved so deeply.
(To be continued.)