Wayne Rooney thinks FA Cup win will inspire Manchester United's youngsters
By Dev Trehan
Last Updated: 22/05/16 4:08pm
Wayne Rooney believes winning the FA Cup will make Manchester United's youngsters hungry to land more trophies.
United sealed a record-equalling 12th FA Cup triumph on Saturday after coming from behind at Wembley Stadium to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 after extra-time.
It was also the first time captain Rooney has won the competition, adding the trophy to his honours list which already included five Premier League titles and a Champions League winners medal.
For many of United's youngsters, however, it was a maiden trophy win and Rooney believes it will inspire his younger team-mates to achieve more success in the future.
"It's important for Manchester United and the supporters. We've won nothing for three years," Rooney said.
"A lot of players are new to the club but they've had that taste of success now so hopefully that kicks them on to want more and we can go on a good run for the next few years.
"It's great to win trophies. This was a bit more important because we have been under a bit of pressure since Sir Alex (Ferguson) left but we knew it was going to take time."
United were forced to come from behind after Jason Puncheon put Palace ahead in the 78th minute, but Juan Mata equalised soon after, before Jesse Lingard grabbed a stunning extra-time winner.
Chris Smalling was also sent off in extra-time, picking up a second yellow card for pulling back Yannick Bolasie, but United dug in with 10 men to run out deserving winners.
"It was a tough game, Palace did well and made it difficult for us but we kept going," Rooney said.
"We had to dig in and probably it looked like going to penalties but Jesse came up with a fantastic strike.
"It was probably a decent game to watch, we always felt in control but Palace have individual players who can create something out of nothing so we had to be careful. I think overall we deserved to win."