MANCHESTER United claimed their first piece of silverware since Sir Alex Ferguson retired by winning the Emirates FA Cup with an extra-time winner after being reduced to 10-men against Crystal Palace at Wembley.
United dominated possession in the opening half without reward – while Connor Wickham found the back of the net but Crystal Palace were denied the lead when referee Mark Clattenburg failed to play advantage after a foul by Chris Smalling.
The deadlock was broken when substitute Jason Puncheon came on to smash home a stunning volley on 78 minutes, but Eagles celebrations were short-lived as Juan Mata drilled home the equaliser only minutes later to send the game into extra-time.
Chris Smalling became only the fourth player to be sent off in a FA Cup final after hauling down Yannick Bolasie in extra-time, but despite being reduced to 10-men Jesse Lingard volleyed an exceptional winner to claim the trophy rescue Louis van Gaal’s season.
However, it was heartbreak for Palace and their boss Alan Pardew, who played when the club last reached the Cup final – United prevailing back in 1990 after a replay – and managed West Ham in their 2006 penalty shootout loss to Liverpool.
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