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Today, if you will indulge me, I propose to write the odd line about events over the weekend.

Not moves from the Treasury to establish a new system of financial rigour. Not Labour's attempt to woo disaffected Lib Dems. Not even the latest on the ash cloud.

I refer, of course, to .

Scenes from a cup final. United were utterly magnificent and thoroughly deserved their victory. .

But more. The astonishing level of eager, happy enthusiasm among both sets of fans.

We applauded each other's team at the end. There was not one word of bile aimed at the opposition.

We even shrugged off the hue of their strip and resisted the temptation to sing: "Are you Dundee in disguise?"

There I was in the North Stand, singing along with twenty eight thousand others about a ship called Dignity - with Ricky Ross smiling benignly two rows back.

Successful side

There I was, with my wife, tapped on the shoulder by an old school chum of ours.

His wife, also at school with us, had said: "If you see Brian and Pam, send them my love."

He had said: "But there will be fifty thousand and more there." He was in the row behind me.

There I was, with my two sons. One old enough to remember 1994. The other just a toddler then, with no personal experience of United as winners, as a truly successful side. No more.

There I was, approached by umpteen folk who had seen the daft wee item on Reporting Scotland.

They loved the Shed Shades - noting that I had sported the children's version. All I could get.

There was Lee Wilkie, leading out the team, holding up the cup. Wonderful gesture. Let's cap it by insisting that he has a testimonial - with his former club Dundee as the opponents.

Ghana flag

There was the chairman, Stephen Thompson, and his mother, Cath Thompson. Enjoying the triumph, also thinking no doubt .

There was Prince Buaben at the end, wearing a Ghana flag like a kilt.

He says he will dedicate his cup medal to his late father who always encouraged him to work hard and do his best. Prince, you are a king.

There was all the team, victory achieved, dancing and singing with the delighted fans.

Goodie and Conway, the scorers. The entire squad.

There was Lorraine Kelly, a real Arab, at the game and in Dundee the next day, urging the thousands who witnessed the final to support the club in Europe and domestic competitions next year.

European spot

There was Craig Levein in the stand, struggling to wear the mask of a neutral Scotland boss. Many congratulations on failing in that task. This victory was yours too.

And there was Peter Houston. The deputy manager. The stand-in whose side got thumped by Rangers in the first few days.

He feels like giving up. He battles on, his tactical brilliance shines. His side win the cup and clinch a good spot in Europe. It's like something out of the Wizard.

Enough, Brian, enough. Spare a thought for the colleague who will have to put this piece online. He supports Ross County.

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