CRYSTAL PALACE 1, MAN UNITED 2
Ten-man Manchester United produced a remarkable fightback to defeat Crystal Palace after extra time to lift the Emirates FA Cup for the first time since 2004.
And it was the Reds’ first piece of silverware since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson whose delight as he watched in the stands was apparent.
Yet it looked as though it was destined not to be United’s day after they twice struck the frame of the goal and then Palace snatched the lead with 12 minutes to go with a spectacular strike from substitute Jason Poleon.
United showed grit and determination to draw level within three minutes through Juan Mata before substitute Jesse Lingard came up with a spectacular winner 10 minutes from the end of extra time after United had been reduced to 10 men after Chris Smalling’s sending off.
And if this was to be manager Louis van Gaal’s farewell, he ended on a triumphant note as Wayne Rooney lifted the cup.
But van Gaal’s unpopularity was underlined by the boos when the team went up to collect the trophy from the royal box. And the loudest cheer was for Sir Alex Ferguson who was shown on the big screen.
United’s manager praised the battling qualities of his team, not only in the final but en route to Wembley.
He said: “In spite of being down to 10 players, we showed spirit on this road to the final.
“Against Sheffield United at home we scored a last-minute goal. We fought to the end against West Ham when we were behind at home and scored an equaliser in the last minutes of the game.
“When you do that on the road to the final, and prove again in the final with 10 men, with more or less the same side that played Bournemouth on Tuesday, I am very proud as manager.”
Van Gaal thought his side deserved their victory after earlier in the game hitting the bar and post and he described Lingard’s winner as “a beautiful goal”.
Van Gaal also refused to speak about his future in the job saying he has been sacked for the last six months.
Palace manager Alan Pardew described it as an “enthralling final” saying he thought his side could win the game after taking the lead.
He thought it might have been different had his side been handed a first-half penalty but refused to criticise referee Mark Clattenburg saying it was a tough decision to make without the help of a television replay.
Marouane Fellaini returned from suspension replacing Jesse Lingard while there was a recall for Marcos Rojo at left back for Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, the two changes from the side that kicked off against AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday.
United were the quicker to settle as they dictated the early running, forcing a succession of corners and carving out two decent chances.
A delightful passing move ended with Marcus Rashford playing a return pass with Juan Mata before seeing his goalbound shot deflected off Pape Souare for a corner.
Wayne Rooney then saw a 30-yard low drive take a deflection forcing keeper Wayne Hennessey into a diving saw to his left.
Palace’s first chance after 19 minutes saw David De Gea be alert to turn over a Yannick Bolasie header from a Yohan Cabaye free kick.
United continued to set the tempo and Mata’s angled shot forced a sharp save by Hennessey low to his right to turn away the effort.
Palace had a decent spell in which Bolasie tested De Gea while Connor Wickham shot wide after an errant kick out by De Gea.
Rashford demonstrated his lightning pace by beating Damien Delaney on the right before firing over a low cross that was met by Anthony Martial whose goalbound shot was blocked by Joel Ward.
United had a massive let off when Daley Blind was caught in possession and Bolasie burst clear only for Rooney to save the day with a last-ditch defensive tackle. Replays showed it was a penalty but at first glance he appeared to play the ball first.
After enjoying almost 81-per-cent of first-half possession, it was more of the same after restart and United came close to taking a 53rd minute lead.
Rashford’s cheeky back heel released Fellaini on the right of of the box and his shot hit the angle of post and crossbar.
United were denied by the woodwork for a second time in nine minutes when Martial’s glancing header from Antonio Valencia’s cross struck the upright.
The Reds were forced into a change midway through the second period when Rojo, injured after a late challenge by Delaney, was replaced by Matteo Darmian.
And injury forced United into a second change with 18 minutes left when Rashford, hurt after falling awkwardly, was replaced by Ashley Young.
The deadlock was broken with 12 minutes left when Palace snatched the lead against the run of play.
Puncheon, who had only been on the field for six minutes, chested down a long diagonal pass and struck a fierce shot on the half volley past De Gea at the near post to stun United.
The anguish was replaced by cheers three minutes later as United drew level after a mesmerising run from Rooney who glided past a number of opponents on a diagonal run into the box. His cross was chested down by Fellaini and Mata volleyed past Hennessey with the aid of a deflection off Ward.
United made their third and final change in the last minute when Lingard replaced goalscorer Mata.
There was one scare for United in the fourth of five added minutes when Chris Smalling was robbed by Wilfried Zaha who shot into the side netting.
Palace would have regained the lead but for a fine save by De Gea to turn a 25-yard volley from Bolasie round the post for a corner.
United were dealt a blow at the end of the first period of extra time when Smalling was sent off for a second booking as he pulled back Bolasie who had beaten him for pace. It was needless as it happened in the centre of the field and in no place of danger.
De Gea came to United’s rescue again early in the second period of extra time making a great save with his legs to deny substitute Dwight Gayle.
United had a great chance to take the lead when Carrick headed narrowly wide from a Lingard cross.
The 10 men went ahead after 110 minutes when Mile Jedinak could only clear Valencia’s cross to the edge of the box where Lingard struck a venomous shot into the top corner, a strike worthy of winning any game.