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Manchester United have won the 2016 FA Cup with a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace in extra time, despite trailing 0-1 after Crystal Palace scored in the 78th minute.
Final score
Crystal Palace 1
Manchester United 2
Manchester United can brighten an otherwise forgettable season as the English giants take on Crystal Palace in the 135th final of the FA Cup. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 2:15am (AEST).
The last time United were on the cusp of glory, Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge, and the Red Devils won the 2012-13 Premier League title at a canter.
It’s only been three years, yet the mood of this occasion could not be more different.
If Louis van Gaal holds aloft the trophy, it’s unclear how the United faithful will come to regard their 12th FA Cup success. Is 2015-16 a successful season, given the final result, or is it a failure being masked by silverware at the last? Scarcely will success be greeted with such lack of surety by a club that has come to define it throughout its glorious history.
While the Red Devils struggle over reclaiming their storied past, Crystal Palace have the chance to create a new chapter. The Eagles’ greatest triumph thus far has come via the short-lived Full Members Cup in 1991, during the final days of the old First Division. In a history otherwise laden with stories of promotion and relegation, a maiden FA Cup triumph would write a new chapter at Selhurst Park.
It’s a big occasion as well for Mile Jedinak, who is lining up to become the fifth Australian – after Joe Marston, Craig Johnston, Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill – to play the season finale at Wembley, and the first of all of them to captain a side. His place is no guarantee however, having been alternated regularly during the Premier League season by manager Alan Pardew, who has generally favoured the attacking threats of Yohan Cabaye and Joe Ledley. But with Ledley ruled out, the former Central Coast Mariner should start.
Formation-wise, Pardew will likely adopt his typical 4-4-2, with a near full-strength squad available. The fitness of Cabaye and Bakary Sako is a boost to the central area, while the return of Wilfried Zaha is especially timely, given his short and failed time at Old Trafford.
Zaha’s return, in conjunction with the width of Yannick Bolasie on the other flank, will give Palace’s strike team of Frazier Campbell and Connor Wickham plenty of aerial opportunities, with Cabaye providing the link-up play in the middle.
For United, the emphasis will be about defensive control of the match, particularly given Anthony Martial’s impressive season, and the gradual late improvement of Wayne Rooney. This may mean Juan Mata is confined to the bench, while in midfield Michael Carrick may be preferred to maintain control of a game. The much-maligned Marouane Fellaini is also available after a three-match ban.
Defensively, United look stronger with the returns of Matteo Darmian and Marcos Rojo, while David de Gea has papered over many cracks.
Prediction
With the Mancunians’ Premier League position securing Europa League football next season, there is no further incentive for them in this game beyond the trophy itself. Yet for Pardew and Palace, the carrot of European dangles. Despite this, the occasion should see the Red Devils at their best, even if this has been too rare a sight during van Gaal’s time.
Manchester United should see off Crystal Palace to truly begin the post-Ferguson revival.
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