And it only took three years without Fergie to win some silverware again: Manchester United fans' joy as they bag FA Cup in nailbiting final that even saw some dodgy dad dancing by Palace's boss... but is it the end for Van Gaal? 

Manchester United fans went from despair to ecstasy after their side came from behind to win their first trophy in three years.

Those in the Crystal Palace end of Wembley Stadium had their dreams of winning the FA Cup for the first time in the club's history shattered in an instant after Jesse Lingard's wonder strike in extra time proved enough to earn Louis van Gaal his first piece of silverware as Manchester United boss.

It looked as though those donning red and blue would be celebrating at the end, after Palace took the lead through substitute and local boy Jason Puncheon and United were reduced to ten men after a double booking for Chris Smalling.

But Juan Mata levelled things for United, with United's moment of glory coming in extra time as Lingard lashed in a volley from the edge of the area after a cross was half-cleared by Damien Delaney.

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Manchester Utd fans are elated that their team won the FA Cup, the side's first piece of silverware since legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down

It is all too much for one young Crystal Palace fan who was forced to watch on as his beloved side came within minutes of winning the cup, only to lose in extra time

United's moment of glory came in extra time as Lingard lashed in a volley from the edge of the area after a cross was half-cleared by Damien Delaney

Jesse Lingard of Manchester United celebrates with delighted fans after scoring his side's second goal during the FA Cup Final

Palace fans look on as their side is defeated in the FA Cup final, the club's first since their loss in the 1990 final at the old Wembley

Manchester United fans went from despair to ecstasy after their side came from behind to win their first trophy in three years

A touchline dance from Alan Pardew after Puncheon struck suggested they sensed history and revenge for defeat in the 1990 final, but their jubilation was shortlived

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew couldn't contain his happiness after his side took the lead, but United would score minutes later

Crystal Palace fans look dejected as they see their team lose in their first FA Cup final for more than 15 years, since they were beaten by the same team in 1990

Defeat was harsh on a valiant Palace, who were frustrated by a series of decisions by referee Mark Clattenburg in the first half and fought to the end.

A touchline dance from Alan Pardew after Puncheon struck suggested they sensed history and revenge for defeat in the 1990 final.

Starting with his arms outstretched, Pardew could then be seen twisting his arms around in front of his chest in scenes better suited to a night out in Croydon than the Wembley touchline. 

But Pardew and the Palace fans' their jubilation was shortlived, with Mata scoring minutes later.

United could argue, after hitting the post twice and bossing large spells, they deserved victory and a first trophy since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.

With Ferguson watching at Wembley Stadium, the club's record-equaling 12th FA Cup success comes at the end of a lackluster second season under Van Gaal.

Louis van Gaal may not get another 23 years after this final as Sir Alex Ferguson did, but if this does prove to be his last game at the club, he at least delivered in the manner in which we have come to expect.

But he stood firm as rumours that he was about to be sacked and replaced by Jose Mourinho intensified within moments of his side winning the FA Cup. 

Jesse Lingard's wonder strike in extra time proved enough to earn Louis van Gaal his first piece of silverware as Manchester United boss, but it looks as though he may soon be replaced by Jose Mourinho

Jesse Lingard's wonder strike in extra time proved enough to earn Louis van Gaal his first piece of silverware as Manchester United boss

Palace fans let their voices be heard during the final at Wembley, which had they won would have signified the greatest achievement in the club's history 

Crystal Palace supporters on the stands wait for the start of the English FA Cup final between their side and eventual winners Manchester United

A Manchester United fan poses with beer before the game kicks off at London's Wembley Stadium, which holds a capacity of 90,000

Passionate fans in Palace's end cheer their side on as they are defeated 2-1 by Manchester United, who won the cup for a twelfth time

Reports have claimed the Dutchman will leave United in the coming days with former Chelsea manager Mourinho taking over.

But Van Gaal has had to contend with similar speculation for much of the season and he remained defiant as the media put questions to him after his side beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Wembley.

Van Gaal placed the trophy on the desk in front of him and highlighted his success before hitting out at the media for prematurely writing about his demise.

Van Gaal said: 'I show you the cup and I don't discuss it (my future) with my friends of the media, who already sacked me for six months. Which manager can do what I have done?'

It was then put to Van Gaal that the club have not put a stop to such rumours.

Van Gaal responded by asking his inquisitor, 'You have followed the board?' before attempts were made by his press officer to change the subject to the game.

Asked if the victory could be the perfect send-off, Van Gaal said: 'I don't want to talk about leaving the club.'

Nobody else from United has commented on the matter.

When asked by a reporter for BT Sport if Van Gaal had needed to win the cup, he said: 'That's not so important for me. I want to win things, titles. I have won everywhere I have worked so I don't have to prove myself.

'When they want to use my knowledge, my management, I shall continue. We have proved today that we have a title, and that (the last title) was a long time ago.

'Also, in a period of Sir Alex Ferguson, he does not win every title.'

Asked if he will be seen next season, Van Gaal added: 'I hope to see you.'

There were differing emotions for both sets of fans at the end of the game, with United fans jubilant, left, and Palace supporters left dissapointed, right

Manchester United's Argentinian defender Marcos Rojo celebrates with fans following the English FA Cup final football match

Dwight Gayle of Crystal Palace looks dejected in defeat after The Emirates FA Cup Final match against eventual winners Manchester United

Crystal Palace fans Alex, Ryan, Cheryl, Grace and Wayne Matthesen on Wembley Way before the Emirates FA Cup final at Wembley

Crystal Palace's midfielder Jason Puncheon celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal during the English FA Cup final

Manchester United fans Wendy Hill and Nicola Holt from Manchester hold an inflatable FA Cup trophy on Wembley Way

Fans walk to the stadium along Olympic Way prior to The Emirates FA Cup Final match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace

Young Palace fans make their way to the ground. Defeat was harsh on a valiant Palace, who were frustrated by a series of decisions by referee Mark Clattenburg in the first half and fought to the end

It looked as though those donning red and blue would be celebrating at the end, after Palace took the lead through substitute and local boy Jason Puncheon and United were reduced to ten men after a double booking for Chris Smalling