---
title: "Lingard screamer seals historic FA Cup victory"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2016/05/21/lingard-screamer-seals-historic-fa-cup-victory/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Man Utd Match Reports"
published: "2016-05-21T20:03:47Z"
modified: "2016-05-21T23:14:59Z"
---

# Lingard screamer seals historic FA Cup victory

Manchester United academy starlet Jesse Lingard turned his wildest dreams into a reality on Saturday night as he scored an absolute barnstormer of a volley to seal the FA Cup final in extra time.

The youngster, who has been at the club since he was seven years old, came on as United’s final substitute in a nervy, tense match-up against Crystal Palace; and latched onto an aerial ball in the box to provide the sweetest of volleys into the roof of the net.

![Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmanutd.com/readmanutd/2016/05/533255780.jpg)

Going into the game, there was much speculation about the future of Louis van Gaal; none of which has dissipated – but let’s focus on the result, rather than rumours.

The victory at Wembley means Manchester United have equaled Arsenal’s record of 12 FA Cups, whilst Louis van Gaal has now guided teams to silverware in all of England, Spain, the Netherlands and Germany, managing some of the world’s uppermost clubs and elite players along the way.

When the Eagles took the lead with less than ten minutes to go, there was a sickening feeling that the Red Devils would succumb to yet another occasion of disappointment under the Dutchman – but this time during a much bigger occasion. Until, that is, Wayne Rooney really grabbed the bull by the horns.

Performing well in a deeper role, the United captain led by example throughout the game but really embellished his talismanic status with his bullish surge into Palace’s defence ranks, before scooping out an excellent reverse-ball across the box towards Marouane Fellaini, who succeded in finding Mata… No guesses what happened next! The brilliant Spainard, the only member of the United squad at that moment to have ever won the FA Cup, volleyed home from close range to level the tie.

![Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmanutd.com/readmanutd/2016/05/533207188.jpg)

A stupid, reckless foul from Chris Smalling in extra time saw him sent off for a second yellow card, with the first having come in a rather perplexing decision by Mark Clattenburg in the first half of normal time.

Palace may feel aggrieved not to have won their maiden FA Cup in this replay of 1990’s final, but it was United’s perseverance that kept them in the game. The leadership of Rooney, the excellent qualities of David de Gea and the tireless work ethic of Antonio Valencia were all key – and it would be fair to say that the more industious side won out at Wembley. What a day. What a rollercoaster. What a game.