Players react to FA Cup win

There was scintillating drama at Wembley as ten-man Manchester United came from behind to claim a 2-1 extra-time win over Crystal Palace to win a 12th FA Cup title.

Jason Puncheon looked to have given Palace the win after scoring 15 minutes from time, but Juan Mata’s quick equaliser ensured the game would go into extra time.

Chris Smalling got himself sent off in the first half of extra time for a second yellow, but Jesse Lingard’s screamer ensured the United celebrations would kick off in earnest at the home of English football.

Speaking after the game to the BBC, Lingard (who was named man of the match for his superb strike) said:

I saw it come across, it landed nicely for me, all I had to do was hit it sweet and luckily I did that.

We found out two days before [what the team was] to get our minds right and prepare. As a substitute you’ve always got to be ready and thankfully I was.

It’s a massive feeling, to win it is a great feeling and ending the season on a high. My family and friends are here watching so it’s fantastic. It’s the United way – we have such good team spirit.

Captain Wayne Rooney also spoke to the BBC before lifting the trophy:

Credit to Crystal Palace, it was a tough game but we hung on in there and a good goal from Jesse – to come from Manchester it must be an incredible feeling for him.

We’ve had a tough end to the season but I thought we worked very hard today. Our determination has got us through this so we’re delighted.

It’s a special moment – it’s a competition I’ve watched growing up as a fan, I’ve lost two finals before so I’ll enjoy this tonight. It has been a while [since United last won a trophy] but it’s great for the fans, it’s fantastic. To win a trophy will lift the supporters.

And Michael Carrick (potentially playing his final game in a United shirt) spoke to MUTV during the trophy celebrations:

That feeling when the final whistle goes you can’t buy the feeling of lifting the trophy. It’s a lot of emotion, relief and satisfaction but pure joy to finally lift it.

When we went behind I always thought we’d get a chance. To finally win the FA Cup it’s great for the players and the backroom staff who work so hard to prepare us right and obviously for the supporters to give them something to shout about. It’s a smashing day.