Manchester United won the FA Cup with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Crystal Palace thanks to Jesse Lingard’s extra-time winner at Wembley on Saturday.
The victory, United’s first Cup triumph since 2004, draws them level with Arsenal as the most successful sides in the competition with 12 wins.
It was a much-needed consolation after a rather disappointing campaign for Louis Van Gaal’s men who finished out of the Champions League places in the Premier League.
The Red Devils enjoyed territorial dominance for much of the encounter but as has been the case so often this season, they failed to make the advantage count.
Marouane Fellaini came closest to opening the scoring on the night, hitting the woodwork with a slightly scoffed shot before Anthony Martial rocked the post with a header but it was Palace who went ahead when substitute Jason Puncheon powered an angle shot beyond David De Gea in United’s goal on the 78th minute.
Their joy was short-lived however, as Spain playmaker Juan Mata drew United level three minutes later, latching onto Fellaini’s chest-down after a surging run down the right from Wayne Rooney.
With the game locked at 1-1 and looking set for a penalty shootout, substitute Lingard riffled in a winner on the 110th minute after centre-back Chris Smalling had been dismissed for a second booking.
