Five things To Learn from Man Utd FA Cup Victory

Manchester United won the FA Cup after waiting for about 12yrs for this trophy and this is Five things Metro put together that can be learnt from the game:

Manchester United lifted their first trophy of the post Sir Alex Ferguson era as Jesse Lingard’s extra-time volley secured a 2-1 victory against a determined Crystal Palace team.
United were well worth their win and the Palace goal was tested on numerous occasions, with both Marouane Fellaini and Anthony Martial hitting the woodwork.
Jason Puncheon had given the Eagles the lead in the 78th minute but Juan Mata equalised before Lingard stole the show deep in extra time.
The suggestion post-match from Wembley was that former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho will be appointed imminently, but it looks as though Louis van Gaal was able to bow out with a trophy.

Here are five things we learned from United’s memorable victory…
1) Wayne Rooney still has it
Manchester United’s skipper had never previously won the FA Cup and put in a captain’s display to drag United over the line.
With Palace leading 1-0 with just 10 minutes left to play, Rooney took the ball and beat four opposing defenders before a standing a perfect cross up to the back post.
This was his moment, after months of criticism, a lot of it perfectly reasonable, that Rooney delivered right when his team needed it.
His midfield position continues to look positive for the future and is likely where he will stay next season.
2) Jesse Lingard delivered his own Eric Cantona moment
There is something about United’s FA Cup match-winner volleying in the goal whilst wearing a cast.
Lingard invoked memories of Eric Cantona against Liverpool in 1996 with his strike in extra-time.
The youngster has come in for criticism this year but, since Marcus Rashford’s emergence, Lingard has improved dramatically in recent weeks.
His Wembley winner was his defining moment in a breakthrough season and one which will live long in the memories of supporters.
3) Marouane Fellaini impressed on his return
Fellaini has been an ever present for Van Gaal this season and with good reason. The Belgian comes in for unfair criticism because of his reputation but he has been a reliable performer this term.
The FA Cup final was no different as the Belgian was dominant in both penalty areas, winning key defensive headers that were missed in the recent defeat to West Ham United which ultimately cost the Reds a Champions League place.
4) David de Gea is irreplaceable
It is unclear what Jose Mourinho’s impending arrival will do for the future of goalkeeper De Gea but, with their shared agent Jorge Mendes, it is likely he may give the club another year.
The Spaniard is irreplaceable at this point. He has been outstanding again this season and, whilst the cup final was a quieter affair for him, he still made a crucial save with his feet from Dwight Gayle to keep United level which would later prove invaluable.
5) Marcus Rashford was unfazed on the big stage and should go to the European Championships
Rashford was impressive until he was forced off injured. He showed little sign that the occasion got to him as he piled pressure on the Palace defensive line.
Roy Hodgson was in attendance and will have undoubtedly been impressed with Rashford’s quickness and ability to make chances out of nothing.
He could be a useful asset to England this summer.