Palace went ahead through substitute Jason Puncheon, but Juan Mata equalised nearly immediately before Jesse Lingard won the trophy for United in the 110th minute.
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It is the first time United has won the FA Cup since 2004 _ one of 38 major trophies Ferguson won as manager from 1986 to 2013.
Despite playing the second period of extra time with 10 men after Smalling’s dismissal, United poured forward and Lingard’s goal secured a 12th FA Cup triumph, equalling Arsenal’s record.
Palace manager Alan Pardew, meanwhile, met with FA Cup heartbreak for the third time, having been on the losing side against United with the south London club in 1990 and overseen West Ham’s defeat on penalties by Liverpool in 2006.
“Not many managers can say that”, the former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach said. Van Gaal has one year remaining on his contract, but the results haven’t been there. “I am proud of what they gave me”. “I had to refresh my squad and I’ve done it. In spite of the many injuries this season we were still in the (Premier League) race and now we have lifted the Cup”.
Nonetheless, the conclusion was eventually made that irrespective of today’s result at Wembley, Van Gaal’s tenure has come to an end. I want to win things and titles.
Asked if he will be seen next season, Van Gaal added: “I hope to see you”.
“The players have given me everything”, Pardew said.
“We played with heart and passion”. The defender became only the fourth man to be sent off in an FA Cup final. “I’ve got no idea (about the Mourinho reports), we are just going to enjoy the celebrations”.
The scoreline stayed at 0-0 until the break, but Louis van Gaal’s side came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 53rd minute.
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But within five minutes, Jesse Lingard produced a long ranger to beat Wayne Hennessey for the victor, after an Antonio Valencia creative from the right flank.
