Van Gaal was proud of the victory, which earned United a first trophy since the retirement of Ferguson three years ago.
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Manchester United equalled Arsenal’s haul of 12 FA Cups with the win over Crystal Palace, while the trophy goes some way towards making up for the disappointment of finishing outside the top four in the Premier League.
United central defender Chris Smalling was sent off in the extra period for a second yellow card but Lingard’s moment of class gave them the Cup for the first time since 2004.
But they secured glory in fine fashion with a stunning volley from substitute Jesse Lingard to end the season on a high.
Wayne Rooney came out in defence of Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal as talk he is set to be replaced by Jose Mourinho intensified.
Pardew will hope that ex-United player Wilfried Zaha can cause his old team some problems, with the winger having been in good form for the Eagles during the end of the campaign.
Van Gaal has faced growing criticism after United crashed out of the Champions League in the group phase and then failed to qualify for next season.
Palace found it harder to gain a foothold but Clattenburg infuriated them by not allowing Connor Wickham advantage after he broke clear of Smalling following a tussle, instead awarding them a free-kick.
“They had more possession – they tried to get through us, but couldn’t – and with us hitting them on the break, it made for an enthralling final”.
He said: “The players have given me everything – heart and passion, it was a great cup final – Man Utd were the same and it was even in the tactical game plan”.
However, it lasted for only three minutes as United equalised.
However, Van Gaal, who has a year left on his contract, would not be drawn on his position at the post-match press conference at Wembley.
Marcos Rojo limped off following a poor challenge from Damien Delaney and Rashford soon followed after his knee was trodden on, quite possibly deliberately, by Yohan Cabaye. A corner was headed out well by United but the ball was floated back in towards Puncheon who controlled the ball and volleyed nicely past David De Gea.
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He cut a forlorn figure in the post-match press conference, very different from the dancing Pardew seen by millions when Palace took the lead. Louis Van Gaal’s Manchester United, on the other hand, cast aside lower teams such as Sheffield United, Derby County and Shrewsbury Town before overcoming West Ham after a replay in the quarter-final and Everton in the semis.
