De Gea: We Won The FA Cup For The Fans

Manchester United's Player of the Year David De Gea admits the 2-1 extra-time win over Crystal Palace at Wembley was 'for the fans' as the Reds' no.1 clinched his first FA Cup crown.

The United stopper, who picked up the Sir Matt Busby award earlier this month for a record third successive season, helped secure the Reds' record-equalling 12th FA Cup triumph with some important saves.

Juan Mata pulled United level minutes after Jason Puncheon's strike had given Palace a shock lead, before Chris Smalling was sent off for a second bookable offence in first half extra-time. Reds substitute Jesse Lingard was the headline maker as he fired Louis van Gaal's men to cup success 10 minutes before the end.

Speaking to MUTV after the win, De Gea claimed the silverware was for the fans: "[It was tough] with ten players and with [other] difficult moments, but we fought until the end and we never surrendered.

"We are Manchester United, we are one of the best clubs in the world and we have won the FA Cup for all the fans."

De Gea said the win was made even more memorable by the difficult circumstances after Smalling's dismissal and by the quality of Lingard's decisive effort.

"Jesse [Lingard] scored a great goal and it was even more special with ten men. We are really, really happy to win the FA Cup.

"It’s a long time since the club has won this cup and it is a really good moment to enjoy – the FA Cup is back in Manchester!"