Crystal Palace put up a good fight and was pretty close to robbing Manchester United of their last chance to win a trophy this season. Fortunately, Fellaini’s excellent form and Mata’s cool-headed finish pushed the game into extra time where a great decision from LVG sent the cup to Old Trafford. The Dutchman made the right move by sending in Jesse Lingard, whose lightning fast volley with the outside of his boot from just a couple of feet from the penalty area, gave Hennessey no chance of keeping the goal intact in overtime. Manchester United showed character and most importantly, showed how good a team they can be. Rooney’s new found role suits the captain perfectly. He is 100% dedicated to helping the squad in any way. Seeing him defending and attacking throughout the match is not what you would expect from a player moving into his last years as a professional footballer.

Jesse Lingard did not sulk after not getting the start but in fact came on a sub and did the opposite of sulking as he gave it all and got the go-ahead goal which is nothing his performance did not deserve for the hassle he inflicted on the Crytal Palace defence. His goal ws a sublime out side of the right boot volley which flew into Henessey’s goal leaving the Welsh keeper whoth no chance.

One other thing to mention regarding Manchester’s lot is Rashford who proved he is worth taking to Euro 2016. With the final 23 lot being announced by the end of next week, the youngster finished this season by playing the best football he can play. He is probably Manchester United’s biggest gain of the season. Aside from Smalling who was not in the best of days, all of LVG’s players deserve to be congratulated. It looks like van Gaal found the right combination between experience and young enthusiasm, a combination which is very hard to balance out. If the team continues playing in this formation, Manchester United’s game will improve considerably. Seeing the FA Cup Final might make some think if this is the squad that needs to take on next season or if any transfers need to be completed. There’s also the fact that Depay, who was seen as the new Cristiano Ronaldo, was left outside of the game formation, pointing towards a possible departure on loan. Honestly, if LVG starts next season with Schneiderlin instead of Carrick (who will be likely leaving) and maybe Darmain instead for Rojo, things will go well. The only need for a transfer might come from a competitive point of view. Rashford is brilliant just as Martial but they will not grow without proper competition. It is to be seen who that competition might turn out to be as rumors regarding Ibrahimovic, Lukaku, Higuain and continue are all over the internet.