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Crystal Palace defender Scott Dann: Man United deserved FA Cup win

Crystal Palace defender Scott Dann has said he believes Manchester United deserved to win the FA Cup final on Saturday.

Palace had looked on course for victory at Wembley when Jason Puncheon scored with 12 minutes left, but Juan Mata equalised soon afterwards before Jesse Lingard won it in extra time.

"We're disappointed with the result -- gutted," Dann said.

"It's a great occasion to be involved in, but when you're on the losing side it doesn't make for a great day.

"In the first half we probably didn't play as well as we'd have liked, but we got ourselves in front. To lose from there is disappointing, but Manchester United deserved to lift the trophy.

"We'll be looking to move forward -- it's the only way we can go. We can't feel sorry for ourselves. We have to take the positives and move on to next season."

United's triumph was overshadowed by speculation surrounding Louis van Gaal's future, but Palace boss Alan Pardew was also in the spotlight as he performed a celebratory dance following Puncheon's opener.

Pardew's touchline jig proved premature and Dann said the Eagles changing room was quiet after the game.

"There's nothing the manager could say," he said. "We grafted for 120 minutes and left everything out there. I don't think any words can make it any better."

Dann was taken off with an ankle injury and left Wembley on crutches with a protective boot around his right foot.

"I'm not too sure how it is or what I've done," he said. "I landed awkwardly and tried to shake it off, but it doesn't feel great."

The defeat means Palace miss out on qualification for next season's Europa League, with the final spot instead going to seventh-placed West Ham.

But midfielder James McArthur said: "Everyone's so gutted, but we feel this club is going places.

"We had a good cup run and need to take that into the league next season. We had a good start to this season, and we want to carry that on."

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