Crystal Palace vs. Manchester United: Players, Coaches React After FA Cup Final

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal hailed his side’s performance as they won the FA Cup with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Crystal Palace at Wembley on Saturday.

Jason Puncheon scored five minutes after coming on in the second period with a fine close-range strike before Juan Mata equalised just three minutes later to force additional time.

Chris Smalling was sent off in the first period of extra time, but Jesse Lingard won the tie for United as he crashed in a terrific volley with 10 minutes left to play.

Experienced Dutch boss Van Gaal praised his team’s display in difficult circumstances, as he made some history of his own.  

“It is fantastic to win this title for the club, for the fans, and also for me because I now have won the cup in four countries, and not many managers have done that,” he told the BBC.

“With 10 players, and we have played Tuesday evening also, but we have deserved it I think. It was a super goal, eh?”

Club captain Wayne Rooney, who played a key role in United’s late winner told the BBC that lifting trophies would help the club after a difficult period:

A great advert for the Premier League, credit to Crystal Palace they’ve had a tough end to the season, but we worked really hard and our determination has got us through. I’m delighted. It’s a special moment. It’s a competition I have loved watching as a fan growing up, I’ve been to two finals and lost, so I will enjoy it tonight for sure. 

Look at the fans, winning trophies lifts football clubs. The fans have had a tough two years but hopefully they will enjoy tonight.

Match winner Mata said the cup success should be seen as payback to the fans after a season in which United failed to secure UEFA Champions League qualification after finishing fifth. He told the BBC:

It’s more difficult when …

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