Top 10 iconic Manchester United games of the decade (2010-2019)

#6 Manchester United 2-1 Crystal Palace – FA Cup Final, 21st May 2016

Jesse Lingard struck the winner for United against Crystal Palace in the 2016 FA Cup final

Louis Van Gaal appeared to be on borrowed time as Manchester United boss leading into the 2016 FA Cup final against Crystal Palace, with rumours swirling around that the Old Trafford brass were about to relieve him of his duties and replace him with Jose Mourinho. But while that scenario did play out eventually, it didn’t prevent the Dutch boss from leading the Red Devils to their first FA Cup victory since 2004 – and their first major trophy since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure 3 years prior.

For the greater part of the game, it looked like it wasn’t meant to be. Despite largely dominating proceedings, United simply couldn’t find a breakthrough, with both Marouane Fellaini and Anthony Martial hitting the woodwork, and when Jason Puncheon’s 78th minute goal caused Palace boss Alan Pardew to perform a cringeworthy, David Brent-esque dance, it looked like Van Gaal would be departing empty-handed.

His side turned out to be made of sterner stuff, though, and 4 minutes after Puncheon’s strike, they drew level when a mazy run from Wayne Rooney set up Juan Mata to volley home from close range. Essentially, it was just what United had deserved.

The game moved into extra-time 10 minutes later, and despite Red Devils fans sensing trouble when defender Chris Smalling was red-carded for a professional foul on Yannick Bolasie, it was United who found a winner, Jesse Lingard lashing home a miscued clearance from the edge of the box to leave Palace keeper Wayne Hennessey with no chance.

Winning the FA Cup couldn’t quite make up for what was a largely disappointing final season under Van Gaal, but after what was a long trophyless run by their own high standards, United fans simply couldn’t complain about this victory.