Lingard volley seals United win

However, their Dutch manager Louis van Gaal was left wondering whether it would be enough to preserve his job two seasons into a three-year contract amid British media reports that Jose Mourinho would be offered the job next week. 

The game was locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, Jason Puncheon coming off the bench to put London side Palace ahead 12 minutes from time before Juan Mata equalised three minutes later. 

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. “It’s fantastic to win this title for the club, the fans and also for me,” Van Gaal said. “Now I have won a Cup in four countries. Not many managers can say that so I am very happy.

“I don’t want to talk about leaving the club.” Underdogs Palace took the lead when Puncheon, who had only come on six minutes earlier, deftly controlled a long ball into the area and fired past United goalkeeper David de Gea.

But within three minutes Wayne Rooney went on a brilliant run across the edge of the Palace area and crossed for Marouane Fellaini to set up the equaliser for Spaniard Mata. 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. 

“I saw it come across and it landed nicely for me, all I had to do was hit it sweet and luckily I did that. As a sub you always have to be ready. Thankfully I was,” Lingard said. 

Van Gaal, who arrived for his news conference carrying the trophy, added: “It was a super goal when we needed it. It was unbelievable that we had injuries again but in spite of going down to 10 players we showed the spirit we have shown on the road to the final,” the coach added.