David De Gea superb as Man United beat Crystal Palace and lift the FA Cup

Manchester United withstood the sending-off of Chris Smalling and endured the frustration of twice striking the woodwork to prevail against Crystal Palace and win the FA Cup. Their 2-1 win in extra-time was momentous for several reasons: the winning goal came from Manchester-born Jesse Lingard, so often a willing foot-soldier of this squad who has fought so hard to stay at the club, and the victory allowed United to equal Arsenal as the club who has claimed this trophy the most.

United's 12th FA Cup win was Wayne Rooney's first at the third time of asking; the captain growing into his midfield role and ending up with a terrific assist. Meanwhile Louis van Gaal deserves great credit, most of all for the substitution which decided the match -- taking off Juan Mata, who had just scored a fine equaliser, for Lingard. Lingard's finish was spectacular, and his spotlight well-deserved given how hard he has worked this season.

Palace will feel rightly aggrieved for referee Mark Clattenburg's failure to award them a penalty for Rooney's foul on Wilfried Zaha; they will also be upset by his refusal to play an advantage in the first half that almost certainly denied them a goal. On balance though, United were good value for their win, elevated again by the exceptional goalkeeping of David De Gea, who denied Zaha, Yannick Bolasie and Dwight Gayle.

Following this cathartic last act of an often frustrating season, Van Gaal can walk proudly into whatever's next.

Crystal Palace

Manchester United

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AET

Game Details

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• GameCast
• Lineups and Stats

Player Ratings (1-10; 10=best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK David De Gea, 9 -- Made a series of very fine saves, including one in extra time from Dwight Gayle. With an even slightly inferior goalkeeper, Manchester United would have lost. A brilliant end to another magnificent season.

DF Antonio Valencia, 7 -- Robust in defence as always and better than usual at getting forward, often driving dangerous balls into the box.

DF Chris Smalling, 4 -- Looked more ill-at-ease than he has all season, getting outpaced on the flank in the first half and almost conceding before getting dismissed for two needless yellows. An uncharacteristic performance.

DF Daley Blind, 6 -- Competent in defence, though could have been much better with his delivery from set pieces when Palace were under particular pressure in the first half. His distribution from the back was typically precise in the early stages, but he was caught in possession after making his passing too predictable at times.

DF Marcos Rojo, 6 -- Zaha gave him a difficult time and he was in trouble after earning an early yellow. Recovered somewhat but was forced out of the game after an eye-watering foul from Damien Delaney.

MF Michael Carrick, 7 -- In what may be his last game for the club, he did a very good job at dictating the tempo for his team, particularly in the first half. Also went close with a free header in extra-time.

MF Marouane Fellaini, 7 -- Hit the post with a second-half drive and missed two clear headers in the first half, during which he was a constant threat to Palace's deep-lying defence. MF Juan Mata, 7 -- Clever in possession, almost scoring in the first half with a well-placed effort, and helped United to maintain a good tempo of passing. Produced an excellent, composed finish in the 81st minute when his team needed it most.

MF Wayne Rooney, 8 -- An endlessly energetic presence whose passing selection improved throughout the game, playing the ball smartly through the lines. When United faced defeat, he went on a wonderful run and produced a superb cross for United's equaliser.

MF Anthony Martial, 8 -- Elegant and elusive in possession from start to finish, cutting in well from the flank and going close on a couple of occasions, including a header against the post. A strong end to an excellent first season.

FW Marcus Rashford, 8 -- Pressed and tracked back very well, whenever he was not stretching his opposite man in United's attack. Showed quick thought and feet throughout until a challenge from Yohan Cabaye ended his afternoon.

Substitutes:

DF Matteo Darmian, 7 (for Rojo, 66 mins) -- Was a composed presence as he stepped in for the injured Rojo.

MF Ashley Young, 6 (for Rashford, 72 mins) -- There was widespread disbelief when he was brought on as a centre-forward and in truth he did not contribute much from the middle. Did defend doggedly in the late stages.

MF Jesse Lingard, 8 (for Mata, 90 mins) -- Conjured a match-winner about as spectacular as any that has decided this contest, a majestic volley in extra time. Tenacious in defence as always.

Musa Okwonga is a football author, poet, musician, broadcaster and social commentator. He is on Twitter @Okwonga.