Jesse Lingard Wins FA Cup For Manchester United With Gorgeous Strike

Jesse Lingard entered Saturday’s FA Cup Final in the 90th minute for Manchester United in the midst of a 1-1 tie with Crystal Palace. United was then reduced to 10 men in extra time as Chris Smalling was booted for picking up his second yellow card. Things looked bleak for the Red Devils.

United appeared content to defend and play for penalty kicks in the final extra period, but after a brief offensive flurry, the run of play had turned in its favor. Then, Antonio Valencia dribbled down the side of the pitch and sent a cross into the box. It was fortuitously deflected in Lingard’s direction and 23-year-old didn’t hesitate. He launched himself into FA Cup history by unleashing a stunning strike into Crystal Palace’s net.

That was the difference in the match as Man U went on to win its record-tying 12th FA Cup 2-1. It was the club’s first trophy since the retirement of legendary manager Alex Ferguson and its first FA Cup title since 2004.

For Lingard, that was the goal of a lifetime. He could retire tomorrow and always be a household name in England for that single strike.