Manchester United lifted the FA Cup for the 12th time in their history and for the first time since 2004 thanks to a special goal from Jesse Lingard. At one point everyone felt it would be Crystal Palace to take home the trophy when Jason Puncheon fired in from a tight angle.
But Juan Mata came to United’s rescue to level it up on the night just a few minutes before the end of full time. After that, the momentum was always going to be with the Red Devils but they still needed to find a goal in extra time. Lingard chose to be the man of the moment by scoring a brilliant volley to secure the trophy for his club.
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Here are all the reactions after the game
Louis Van Gaal
There are a lot of rumours swirling around that Van Gaal is set to be replaced by Mourinho for next season but right now he can enjoy this moment. The manager talked about the spirit his team showed on Manutd.com:
“We were 1-0 down with 15 minutes to go and still we have to believe until the end. We showed your MUTV film to the players [before the match]. I said we fight until the end, against the odds, never giving up. When you play with 10 against 11 it is very difficult but we did it.”
Van Gaal praised the quality of Lingard’s special goal saying, “Yes it was a fantastic goal and a special moment. You don’t see them too much. I had a lucky hand I believe.”
When he was asked what it meant to lift the trophy he said, “A lot because that was my aim. My aim was the experience of English football, English culture and to bring a title to Manchester United in spite of the transition that we have to make. I’m very happy because I’ve done it in four countries and I don’t think many other managers can say this. It [feels] unbelievable”
“It’s fantastic to win this title for the club, for the fans and also for me because now I’ve won a cup in four countries and not many managers can say that so I’m happy. Of course I was concerned, with 10 players and we’ve played Tuesday evening also but we have deserved it I think. It was a super goal [from Lingard] but we knew that!”
Alan Pardew
Pardew will be gutted after not winning the trophy but he was upset at some of the refereeing decisions: "I was really disappointed with the Connor decision because you could see he was going to get up first and the advantage was really with us. He actually had a free pass [to] Zaha for a tap but he scored anyway. So to be pulled back was really harsh. I also think Rooney's tackle on Wilf was a penalty."
But he didn’t forget to thank his players for a fine performance. “The players have given me everything today, We played with heart, passion, it was a great cup final - Manchester United did the same - and it was even. It could have gone either way, unfortunately for us it didn't go our way.”
Wayne Rooney
Rooney has now won the only competition that eluded him all these years. Here’s what he had to say.
“It was a great advert for the Premier League. Credit to Crystal Palace, it was a tough game but we hang on in there and a good goal from Jesse – to come from Manchester it must be an incredible feeling for him. “
“We’ve had a tough end to the season but I thought we worked very hard today. Our determination has got us through this so we’re delighted. It’s a special moment – it’s a competition I’ve watched growing up as a fan, I’ve lost two finals before so I’ll enjoy this tonight. “
“It has been a while [since United last won a trophy] but it’s great for the fans, it’s fantastic. To win a trophy will lift the supporters.”
Michael Carrick
Carrick is most likely to leave the club this summer and this was a wonderful parting gift for him.
“That feeling when the final whistle goes you can’t buy the feeling of lifting the trophy. It’s a lot of emotion, relief and satisfaction but pure joy to finally lift it. When we went behind I always thought we’d get a chance.”
“To finally win the FA Cup it’s great for the players and the backroom staff who work so hard to prepare us right and obviously for the supporters to give them something to shout about. It’s a smashing day. “
Jesse Lingard
The match-winner spoke about his incredible goal after the game.
“I saw it come across, it landed nicely for me, all I had to do was hit it sweet and luckily I did that. We found out two days before [what the team was] to get our minds right and prepare. As a substitute you’ve always got to be ready and thankfully.”
“I was. It’s a massive feeling, to win it is a great feeling and ending the season on a high. My family and friends are here watching so it’s fantastic. It’s the United way – we have such good team spirit.”
David De Gea
Arguably Manchester United’s best player this season was also overjoyed after winning the trophy.
“It was a great game and a great goal [by Lingard]. I think we deserved to win this final and we can now enjoy it. It’s a long time since Manchester United have won this trophy and we’re happy.”
“It’s very important – to finish the season with the FA Cup for the fans, for the club is really good. It’s difficult to say in words. The fans are really happy. It’s more difficult and more special to win with 10 men because we had difficult moments. That’s the FA Cup, it’s really good “
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Fans, players and pundits took to social media to congratulate and express their happiness after the win
