Manchester United won the FA Cup on Saturday with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Wembley, with Jesse Lingard bagging the winner in extra-time.
Jason Puncheon had given Palace the lead, but Alan Pardew’s men couldn’t hold on as goals from Juan Mata ensured an extra half-an-hour of play before Lingard swung the game in United’s favour.
Given their Premier League disappointment, it was a positive note on which for United to end their campaign, but whether it’s enough for Louis van Gaal to keep his job remains to be seen.
See below for our player ratings:
Manchester United
David de Gea – 7
Critics will question whether or not he could have done better to deny Puncheon, but that’s perhaps a little harsh in an otherwise solid display that included a key save on Dwight Gayle.
Antonio Valencia – 7
An energetic performance from the right-back as he constantly made runs down the right flank to provide width to United’s play.
Chris Smalling – 6
Commanding display from the England international as he became more assured as the game went on, with his pace and strength tested by Connor Wickham. Ruined his day by seeing red after bringing down Yannick Bolasie in extra-time.
Daley Blind – 7
The Dutchman was solid defensively for the most part while playing his usual important role in building play from the back for the Red Devils.
Marcos Rojo – 7
Was left frustrated to be forced off the pitch in the second half after a heavy challenge from Damien Delaney. Had his troubles, but formed an important part of United’s rearguard display.
Michael Carrick – 6
Did his job in terms of dictating the tempo of the game to ensure United dominated possession, although his play was perhaps too slow at times which hurt United.
Juan Mata – 7
Scored the all-important equaliser for his side to produce the perfect response to Puncheon’s opener. Creative spark for United in linking up play between the lines.
Maraoune Fellaini – 7
Was a pain for Palace with his strength and aerial threat both in the midfield battle and in the box when making runs forward. Key assist for Mata’s goal, booked for another questionable elbow.
Wayne Rooney – 7
Was arguably part of the issue early on with United struggling to really penetrate the Palace defence. However, his brilliant solo run set up the equaliser as he gave United some drive from midfield.
Anthony Martial – 6
A constant menace for the Palace defence with his movement and ability on the ball, while he also worked hard of his team off the ball. Unlucky not to get his name on the scoresheet with a header that struck the post.
Marcus Rashford – 6
A tireless display from the youngster who showed glimpses of his ability to be decisive with some nice touches up front. Would of course liked to have had a bigger impact on the game but worked hard to press from the front.
Substitutes:
Matteo Darmian – 6
Distribution wasn’t always great but slotted in to replace Rojo and did his job well considering his recent injury woes.
Ashley Young – 6
Asked to play out of his favoured position and did an admirable job given the circumstances as he played his part in keeping the Palace defence on their toes.
Jesse Lingard – 8
Came on for Mata late on in normal time, and his energy was a welcome boost for United. However, he saved the best for extra-time with his stunning volley to win the game.
Crystal Palace: Wayne Hennessey 6; Joel Ward 7, Scott Dann 6, Damien Delaney 7, Pape Souare 6; Yohan Cabaye 7, Mile Jedinak 7, Wilfried Zaha 7, James McArthur 6, Yannick Bolasie 6; Connor Wickham 6.
Substitutes:
Jason Puncheon 7, Dwight Gayle 6, Adrian Mariappa 6.