Twitter Reacts as Manchester United Win FA Cup After Extra Time

Manchester United went to Wembley on Saturday afternoon as favourites to win their 12th FA Cup trophy. Standing in their way was Crystal Palace, whose manager Alan Pardew was keen to vindicate the loss his Eagles side suffered to United in the 1990 edition. Before kick-off, Wilfried Zaha was visibly upset on the field, leading many to believe that he would not start against his former side. However, Zaha did make the Palace starting XI, making his emotional appearance quite puzzling: 

"

Zaha crying pre-match because he feels sorry for Marcos Rojo, his opposite man. pic.twitter.com/bcnlp6Cf8P

— Liam Canning (@OffsideLiam) May 21, 2016"

Alan Pardew was part of the 1990 Palace side that lost to Manchester United in the FA Cup Final and there was plenty of chat about the manager before the teams emerged:   

"

It'd be so funny if Alan Pardew won the FA Cup the season that Newcastle got relegated!

— Jamie (@Arctic_Jamie) May 21, 2016"

During the pre-match festivities, fans were also treated to a bizarre performance by Tinie Tempah. It didn't go down well:

Then, after the traditional rendition of "Abide With Me" sounded out of time and tune, Karen Harding, the singer of the national anthem missed her cue:

In the 17th minute, Connor Wickham was obstructed by Chris Smalling, but fought off the challenge and put the ball in the net. Bizarrely, referee Mark Clattenburg blew up for a foul and failed to play the advantage rule:

As the half wore on, Clattenburg continued to dominate the social media narrative as several more questionable decisions arose:

As the second half progressed, Wayne Rooney started trending. Reviews of his performance in central midfield were mixed:

"

Rooney's got to start at Euros, running midfield

— WillG (@Willg_16) May 21, 2016"

As the game approached its final 20 minutes, it wasn't exactly winning rave reviews:

In the 78th minute, the breakthrough finally came when substitute Jason Puncheon fired in from a tight angle:  

"

The Pardew Shuffle: try not to get pregnant. pic.twitter.com/1rU5kEyKKv

— 7amkickoff (@7amkickoff) May 21, 2016"

Incredibly, a few minutes later, Juan Mata found the equaliser:

"

Great team work from Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata #FACupFinal pic.twitter.com/9Epk1JIxwN

— BenchWarmers (@BeWarmers) May 21, 2016"

"

Pardew's dance now seems even more hilarious. Mate, you danced for 60 seconds of joy. pic.twitter.com/ZhOpjCHqq9

— Copa90 (@Copa90) May 21, 2016"

It ended 1-1 after regular time, gifting the world another 30 minutes of FA Cup football:

Shortly before the conclusion of the first period of extra time, Chris Smalling earned a deserved red card:

"

A tackle more at home at Twickenham than Wembley. No complaints for Smalling #FACupFinal

— Ben Smith (@BSmith) May 21, 2016"

Despite going a man down, United took the lead through a superb Jesse Lingard strike: 

"

Pretty apt that Lingard gets the goal - the one youngster genuinely trusted by LVG. And probably dropped by Mourinho. #FACupFinal

— Lee Price (@Lee_Price) May 21, 2016"

"

That Jesse Lingard goal... #FACupFinal pic.twitter.com/vg4QveB2n0

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) May 21, 2016"

It finished 2-1, giving United their first FA Cup trophy since they overcame Millwall in 2004:

"

Louis van Gaal celebrating like
(Via: @JOE_co_uk )https://t.co/Wkii7DdAOp

— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) May 21, 2016"

Let's finish up with the highlight of the day, Pardew's wonderful dancing:

[Twitter]