Manchester United FA Cup Champions

The Red Devils even ended the match with a man less after Chris Smalling was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Image Source: The Telegraph

This, however, did not affect United who scored in extra time when Jesse Lingard struck to ensure the Red Devils picked their 12th FA Cup trophy and are now level with Arsenal.

The match was headed for a barren draw in full time when Jason Puncheon scored the opener in the 78th minute and this looked to have ended United’s season on a negative note.

But a quick equaliser by Juan Mata in the 82nd minute pushed the match to extra time and this is where the Red Devils were able to hang on and eventually lift the trophy.

It was a great relief for United coach Louis Van Gaal who has been under a lot of pressure the whole of last season. Prior to the FA Cup final, there were even reports that the Dutch manager would be replaced by Jose Mourinho and Saturday was his last time on the United bench.

Image Source: The Sun

With Saturday’s win, the Dutchman can now celebrate the fact that he has helped United win a trophy for the first time since 2013. Whatever happens after this, Van Gaal can leave Old Trafford with his head high.

Conceding the first goal looked harsh on the Red Devils who had earlier on hit the post twice with Marouane Fellaini and Antony Martial coming close in the second half.

But Mata’s equaliser put them back into the match and they managed to shrug off Smalling’s sending off by showing a lot of resilience that eventually paid off.

All through to the FA Cup final, United have shown a lot of character. In the quarter final, they edged out West Ham in a replay and barely survived against Everton in the semi-final to go through.