Football
PA Sport 8y

Manchester United youngsters can be inspired by FA Cup win - Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney has said winning the FA Cup will make Manchester United's youngsters hungry for more trophies.

United sealed a record-equalling 12th FA Cup triumph on Saturday after coming from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 after extra time at Wembley.

It was the first time captain Rooney had won the competition but a maiden triumph in any competition for many of the club's young stars.

Rooney said: "A lot of players are new to the club, but they've had that taste of success now and hopefully that kicks them on to want more.

"It's great to win trophies. This was a bit more important because we have been under a bit of pressure since Sir Alex [Ferguson] left, but we knew it was going to take time.

"It's important for Manchester United and the supporters. We've won nothing for three years."

Jason Puncheon put Palace ahead with 12 minutes of normal time left, but Juan Mata equalised soon afterwards before Jesse Lingard grabbed a stunning extra-time winner.

Chris Smalling was sent off in extra time, picking up a second yellow card for pulling back Yannick Bolasie, but United dug deep to run out winners.

"It was a tough game -- Palace did well and made it difficult for us but we kept going,'' said Rooney.

"We had to dig in. We always felt in control, but Palace have individual players who can create something out of nothing so we had to be careful. I think overall we deserved to win."

Meanwhile, goalkeeper David De Gea, United's Player of the Year, dedicated the Wembley win to the club's supporters.

The Spaniard told MUTV: "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.

"We fought until the end and we never surrendered. We are really, really happy to win the FA Cup -- the FA Cup is back in Manchester!"

^ Back to Top ^