Sean Longstaff has admitted he was saved by team-mate Matt Ritchie after a mental breakdown left him in tears.
The Geordie midfielder will walk out at Wembley on Sunday with a huge smile, feeling free from pressure, and ready to help the Toon make history in the Carabao Cup. But the 25-year-old endured a tough time after a knee injury hampered his rapid progress, and he feared for his future while Steve Bruce was manager.
Eddie Howe has got Longstaff flying - his two goals in the semi-final second leg against Southampton earned United a place at Wembley and a crack at their first domestic trophy since 1955.
