After breaking their three-year title drought Manchester United fans and players finally have some silverware to show off.
Their F.A cup triumph – the first in 12 years – was the first title United have lifted since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.
With the former manager watching on in the stands United limped to a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace in extra time. The win, although joyous summated the Louis van Gaal era perfectly.
The game was dour and dull with limited chances being created throughout the whole game.
United dominated possession with 67 per cent of the ball yet only managed to five shots on target, in comparison to Palace’s six. Van Gaal’s men were more than happy to sit in Palace’s half and hold possession for long periods of time without creating any significant chances.
The game opened up for five minutes during regulation time. Following Jason Puncheon’s superb goal, United showcased an attacking flair that Van Gall has deprived their fans for throughout his tenure.
Within three minutes of conceding, United responded through a lovely sequence resulting in a wide open Juan Mata to tie the game up. The ease in which United broke down the Palace defence supplied hope within the United fans that the team would be able to finish Palace off in the 90 minutes.
However with all the momentum heading into the final ten minutes United reverted back to their dull style and played for the draw.
Jesse Lingard’s winner came in a relatively shocking manner. A half volley into the top corner from a lucky bounce encapsulated the luck United have received. Throughout the extra time period Palace looked the more likely of the two teams to win the game.
As Untied maintained possession, Palace’s wingers were lethal on the counter attack. Willfried Zaha, Jason Puncheon and Yannick Bolasie patronised United’s defence with the back four of United looking slower and hesitant to make crucial challenges.
Chris Smalling, United’s most reliable defender of the year seemed to be outmatched by the lowly Connor Wickham and Dwight Gayle. Along with Blind the defending was soft as the centre halves were out muscled multiple times. Smalling’s afternoon was met with a red card following a second rash tackle.
On the other hand, United captain Wayne Rooney showcased his world class stature. By far the best player on the field, Rooney led the Manchester United midfield. Playing in a centre midfield role, Rooney was able to orchestrate all United’s attack.
Acting as the puppeteer, Rooney’s through balls and short passing were on point continuously. His fight and passion lifted the whole squad and is a great sign for the English national team heading into the Euros.
Van Gaal’s performance lacked a certain exuberance the United faithful have been looking for.
Replacing an injured Rashford with Ashley Young raised multiple questions. In conjunction, playing Young as the central striker rather than rearranging the line-up summated Van Gaal’s ability to adapt to changes.
He continued to sit up in the stands and Ryan Giggs ordered the team around. This performance displayed why United will more than likely bring a new manager in.
Conversely, Crystal Palace rose to the challenge. Unnerved by the big stage, Alan Pardew’s men fought for the whole 120 minutes and were unlucky to come out with a win.
Each player performed to their best of their ability with Scott Dann and Mile Jedinak the best performers on the day.
The FA Cup final did not mask the problems that have faced since Ferguson’s retirement. The club still struggled to create clear cut chances and although their defence has looked as stout as ever the final third is lacking immensely.
Rashford has shown a lot of promise along with Anthony Martial, yet the club is still lacking a proven world class veteran that is capable of leading the team night in and out.
Rooney’s performance proved that his best position is in the heart of the midfield as he brought the best out of all his attackers.
His game will benefit out of sight with players like Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy ahead of him in the English line-up. All the United players selected to represent their respective countries this off season will gain vital experience and confidence to develop their styles and game to benefit United next season.
As for the management of the club, the must take a hard look at revitalising the squad and bringing in new management and players to improve on their FA Cup success.
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