THAT’S FINAL
LVG leaves a winner as Jose prepares to move in
LOUIS VAN GAAL lif lifted the FA Cup t then called a 9 9am meeting w with his staff as his job hangs by a thr thread.
The under-fire Dutchman, is widely tipped to be replaced by Jose Mourinho this week and faces a showdown with the Glazier family tomorrow. Van Gaal went wild with delight when substitute Jesse Lingard fired home a winner in the secon second half of extra time – but afterw afterwards said: “My job?
ULTIMATELY it might not save Louis van Gaal – but Jesse Lingard’s stunning FA Cup winner ensured the Dutchman will bow out in triumph.
Van Gaal was staring at the lottery of penalties and the potential for more disaster as this match went into the second half of extra time.
But Lingard sent LVG into orbit with a fabulous goal that broke Palace hearts – and earned 10- man Manchester United their first silverware since Sir Alex Ferguson left.
At the final whistle, United players mobbed skipper Wayne Rooney – as much a part of this victory as anyone. It was Rooney’s run past five Palace defenders, a throwback to his early days, which gave United a lifeline back into the match three minutes after Jason Puncheon shot Palace into a 78th-minute lead.
Rooney’s cross was chested down by Marouane Fellaini to Juan Mata, who drove home the equaliser.
Treasure
And as penalties approached, Lingard put a fresh twist on United’s season by brilliantly volleying home after Antonio Valencia’s cross was only half-cleared by Damien Delaney.
Lingard is one of the youngsters given his chance by Van Gaal and, although left on the bench in favour of Fellaini, his goal was a moment to treasure for the winger – and his boss.
United had to navigate the last half of extra time with 10 men after Chris Smalling was yellow- carded for a second time after stupidly bringing down Yannick Bolasie in his own half.
But they survived to lift the FA Cup for a record- equalling 12th time alongside Arsenal.
The build-up to United’s first FA Cup Final in nine years was all about Van Gaal and his job prospects at Old Trafford next season.
Zero, according to some, no more than slim for others. But whatever the future may bring for LVG, banking a trophy in what may or not be his last match in charge was a priority.
His assertion that the FA Cup trumps top four was laughed at by some, but with three barren years of silverware since Fergie retired, maybe he has a point.
The pressure was all on United, leaving Palace to try to conjure more of the FA Cup form that has rescued a poor Premier League campaign. Whatever the backdrop, Palace fans were determined to enjoy the occasion.
Their end was bouncing in anticipation of the kind of upset Wigan produced against United’s neighbours City in 2013.
But Van Gaal’s thirst for possession meant United controlled the opening 15 minutes with young England hopeful Marcus Rashford and French road- runner Anthony Martial prominent.
Especially Rashford, who caused anxious moments for Alan Pardew with two dangerous early charges. Rooney was hugely influential in a string-pulling midfield role – and that is good news for England. Then came a first chance for Palace as Connor Wickham raced on to a breakaway pass – chased by Smalling. The defender stumbled and they both went to ground, but instead of letting play continue as Wickham jumped up and ran on, Mark Clattenburg blew and booked Smalling. The game opened out with the pace of Wilfried Zaha and Bolasie making Palace a danger on the break. David De Gea tipped a Bolasie header over the bar followed by Zaha’s drive soon after. United almost took a 33rd-minute lead as Rashford left Delaney trailing and found Martial, but his shot was blocked. Palace appealed for a penalty as Zaha went down in the box under Rooney’s challenge but Clattenburg was unmoved. The referee angered Pardew again when he pulled play back when Marcos Rojo impeded Ward, who raced free after the Argentinian’s foul.
After the break United again took charge of possession, but this time with better effect as they twice hit the woodwork. Fellaini shot against the post after a cute Rashford flick then Martial headed a Valencia cross against the other upright.
United lost Rashford with a knee injury, Puncheon was thrown on for Yohan Cabaye. It was a masterstroke by Pardew, as Puncheon opened the scoring with a volley.
Fellaini headed out a corner, Ward picked out Puncheon with a perfect pass and the midfielder thundered the ball past De Gea at his near post.
Pardew did a comical jig of delight, but his joy was short-lived. Rooney’s magical run, Fellaini’s chest pass and Mata’s shot through Ward’s legs made it all square.
Zaha went for glory in injury time, but after holding off Smalling, shot into the side netting.
Bolasie forced De Gea into another save and the Spaniard rescued United again with a smart stop from Dwight Gayle as 10- man United tried to regroup.
They did – but it still might not keep Van Gaal in English football.