Good afternoon! Thank you for joining Sports Mole on arguably the biggest day in the English football calendar - FA Cup final day! Crystal Palace and Manchester United have made it all the way to Wembley this year, and the difference in experience of such stages between the two clubs could not be much more different. It is by no means a foregone conclusion, though, and we should be in for a very intriguing contest today. We have a bumper two-hour build-up for you to celebrate the occasion, so let's start with a look at Palace...

An FA Cup final is always a huge occasion for any club, but for one like Crystal Palace is is arguably even more special considering the rarity of such a scenario. This is just the second time that they have reached this stage of the competition in their 110-year history, and they have never gone all the way to lift the trophy - or indeed any major trophy. Victory over Manchester United would arguably make it the most memorable day in the club's history, and the players and manager Alan Pardew could be just a few hours away from writing their names into Palace folklore forever. That is how big victory would be for the Eagles today!

They do, of course, have to make it past Manchester United for that to happen, though, and their form so far in 2016 has not exactly been encouraging in that regard. Heading into Christmas, Palace sat sixth in the Premier League table and were level on points with Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League places, prompting genuine talk of a top-four push, or at least a European challenge from Pardew's side. They have since plummeted dramatically, though, and finished the campaign 15th in the table and only five points above the relegation zone.

In the end, only the bottom three lost more games than Palace in the Premier League this season, with the vast majority of those coming in that dreadful second half of the season. From Christmas onwards they lost 12 and won just two of their 21 Premier League games, and it wasn't until the closing weeks of the season that the threat of relegation completely went away - something which was almost unthinkable at the halfway stage of the campaign. The one benefit during that spell was their form in this competition, and Pardew will be hoping that they can raise their game for the FA Cup one last time today.

FA CUP FINAL MEMORIES: Throughout this build-up I will be looking back on past FA Cup games involving these two sides, so where better to start than with the 1990 FA Cup final, which was played out between these very same clubs. The match ended up going to a replay (more on that a little later), but the bulk of the action came in the original tie. Both teams came from behind as the match went to extra time, and both scored again through Ian Wright and Mark Hughes respectively as the 120 minutes ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw at Wembley.

Palace's FA Cup form has arguably been even more impressive considering how poor they have been in the Premier League over the same timeframe, and it hasn't been an easy route to the final by any means. They have had to beat four Premier League sides to reach this stage, which is twice as many as they have managed to beat in the division itself so far this calendar year. Arguably the most impressive of the results came away to Tottenham Hotspur in the fifth round, but Palace have also knocked Southampton, Stoke, Reading and Watford out of this season's competition.

Indeed, looking back at the last 26 games for Palace, five of their seven wins in that time have come in this competition, with no replays needed for the Eagles. Should they win a sixth game on the bounce this afternoon then not only would they win their first major trophy ever, but they would also book a place in Europe for the first time ever. The winners of this match tonight will be playing in the Europa League next season, although Manchester United's final league position means that victory for them tonight would see West Ham United go into the Europa League along with the Red Devils and Southampton.

Hammers fans will be keeping a close eye on the game and will be rooting for Manchester United to win, then, but generally neutrals prefer the underdog and Palace most certainly warrant that tag today. Their league form in 2016 aside, they are coming up against one of the most decorated clubs in the world having never won a major trophy themselves. This has been the season of the underdog so far, though, with Leicester City's remarkable rise to the top of the Premier League being the most obvious example. The last time there was a first-time champion of England (Nottingham Forest) there was also a first-time FA Cup champion (Ipswich), which could be a good omen for Palace today.

Victory for Palace would see them become the 44th different named to be carved into the famous old trophy, and they will not be fazed at coming up against a side like Manchester United. Palace have actually won six of their last seven FA Cup ties against fellow top-flight opposition, including those four already this term. The most recent of those came in the semi-final when they beat Watford 2-1 at Wembley, with Bolasie and Wickham getting the all-important goals either side of a Troy Deeney strike. Palace have now won each of their last three games at Wembley, including both visits to the new stadium since it reopened in 2007.

FA CUP FINAL MEMORIES: Five days after their original meeting at Wembley that ended 3-3, the two sides clash again for the replay of the 1990 final. It seems a long time ago now, but Alex Ferguson was under pressure and looking for his first piece of silverware as United boss going into that match. A solitary goal from Lee Martin was enough to give him it, and the rest is the history. It was a springboard to the unprecedented success that Ferguson enjoyed over the next couple of decades and more.

Alan Pardew was part of that Crystal Palace side beaten by Manchester United in 1990, and his record in FA Cup finals is a case of close but no cigar. Having forced United to a replay in his only year in an FA Cup final as a player, he also drew after the initial 90 minutes during his time as West Ham United boss in the 2006 final. His side were just a minute or so away from a famous upset at the Millennium Stadium until Steven Gerrard fired in that goal, and the Hammers went on to lose on penalties as Pardew was left to contemplate more heartbreak.

If Palace are to be successful today, though, then it is likely to be a success built on their defensive record. Only three teams outside the top six conceded fewer in the Premier League this season, while they have been particularly stingy at the back in this competition, conceding just twice in their five games. Indeed, they have kept more clean sheets in the FA Cup this calendar year (three) than they have in 19 Premier League games (two). In comparison, as the other end of the field they scored just 39 goals in their 38 league games this season - only Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion scored fewer.

Another positive going into this match is the fact that they have generally been a bit better away from Selhurst Park this season. They picked up the same amount of Premier League points on the road as they did in front of their own fans this season, but only two teams amassed fewer at home while their tally of 21 away put them closer to the middle of the pack. They have also won each of their last six FA Cup games away from Selhurst, including victory over Tottenham at White Hart Lane this season. That run stretches back to January 2014, and their counter-attacking style could come into play again this afternoon.

FA CUP MEMORIES: The only other time these two sides met in this competition came in 1995 when they were drawn together in the semi-finals. Once again neither side could win at the first attempt and another replay was required, although just like in 1990 the majority of goals came in the original tie as the two teams played out a 2-2 draw.

While Palace fans know what it is like to wait for a day like this a lot more than Manchester United fans do, this is also a huge occasion for the 20-time champions of England for a number of different reasons. They have slipped from their perch ever since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club, with David Moyes's doomed tenure being followed by an uninspiring and largely disappointing time under Louis van Gaal. Major trophies have eluded them since Ferguson won the Premier League title in his final season at the helm, but today is a real chance for them to end that drought.

Many United fans would have grown up being spoilt with their success under Ferguson and so their trophy drought of just three years will seem like an awfully long time - something Palace fans won't have sympathy for after 110 years without one. However, a club of their stature is expected to win a trophy every season, and getting back to those ways would be a big step in the right direction for the Red Devils. This competition in particular is one that they have a great record in down the years, with only Arsenal (12) having lifted the trophy more times than United (11). They would draw level with the Gunners should they win today, while even defeat would see them equal Arsenal's record of 19 FA Cup final appearances.

Arsenal have been a lot more successful in this competition than United in recent times, though, with the Red Devils' last triumph coming in 2004 when they beat Millwall in the final at the Millennium Stadium. Again, Palace fans won't have sympathy for a 12-year drought like that, but it is Manchester United's longest spell without winning the competition since a 14-year run between 1963 and 1977. They hadn't gone more than six years without winning it in the intervening years, so the current wait is a long one that they will be desperate to end today in what is their first appearance in the final since 2007.

You have to go back to 1999 for Manchester United's last FA Cup triumph at Wembley, with the famous old stadium being rebuilt when they got to the final and won the trophy in 2004. That 1999 final was part of the famous treble season as they overcame Newcastle, but they have since become well acquainted with the new Wembley Stadium. This will be their 14th appearance at the ground since it reopened in 2007 - no club has played there more often (Chelsea also on 14). In all that time, though, they haven't managed to lift this famous old trophy.

In addition to the club itself ending that wait for an FA Cup and picking up their first major trophy since Fergie's departure, this is also a huge day for manager Louis van Gaal. The Dutchman's future has been under intense scrutiny for much of the season so far and he is still odds on to leave this summer, even if he steers the team to success today. United's improved performances in the closing weeks of the season may have papered over the cracks a little, but there is no denying that Van Gaal has underachieved considering the money he has spent and the style of football he has brought to Old Trafford. With Jose Mourinho still available, I'm sure many fans would want to see the back of Van Gaal even if he wins the trophy today.

FA CUP MEMORIES: After the 2-2 draw in the 1995 semi-finals of this competition, these two sides were made to do it all again in a repeat of the 1990 final. Manchester United won on that occasion, and it was the same old story five years later - albeit this time by two goals to nil rather than just the one. United went on to play Everton in the final, but fell to defeat at the hands of the Toffees.

TEAM NEWS! The teams are in for the 2016 FA Cup final with just an hour to go until kickoff now...

CRYSTAL PALACE STARTING XI: Hennessey; Ward, Dann, Delaney, Souare; Zaha, Cabaye, McArthur, Jedinak, Bolasie; Wickham
Subs: Speroni, Kelly, Mariappa, Sako, Puncheon, Gayle, Adebayor

MAN UTD STARTING XI: De Gea; Valencia, Smalling, Blind, Rojo; Carrick, Fellaini, Mata, Rooney, Martial; Rashford
Subs: Romero, Darmian, Jones, Schneiderlin, Herrera, Young, Lingard

What can we make of those two sides, then? Well, as far as Palace are concerned it is no surprise to see a number of familiar faces return to the starting XI after Pardew rested some players in their final game of the season last Sunday. Connor Wickham, who scored the winning goal in the semi-final victory over Watford, is one such player as Pardew entrusts him with leading the line ahead of Gayle and Adebayor, who both started last weekend. It could well be Adebayor's final appearance for Palace and potentially in English football too, so he will be desperate to get off the bench and have a say on the big occasion like he has done many times in his eventful career.

Yannick Bolasie, who scored the opener in that semi-final victory over Watford and is arguably Palace's most dangerous player, also starts, while on the opposite flank is Wilfried Zaha. He has missed the last three games through injury but returns this afternoon to take on his former club. It never really worked out for him at Old Trafford and he could well have a point to prove today. Certainly him and Bolasie pose a big threat on the counter-attack, while Sako and Puncheon are waiting in the wings should either suffer from an off-day.

Elsewhere in midfield, Cabaye returns to the starting lineup having been another of those rested last weekend, and he could play in a more advanced role than his usual deeper-lying position. McArthur is also capable of playing there, though, and he is the only player in this Palace squad to have previously won the FA Cup, famously doing so while a Wigan player against Manchester City in 2013. Mile Jedinak is also there in the middle of the park for the Eagles, although it could be the hustle of McArthur and guile of Cabaye that cause more problems for United today.

There are a couple of changes at the back too as Pardew reverts to his strongest defensive unit, and it is one that is capable of having an impact at either end of the field. Scott Dann returns after being given a rest in the 4-1 defeat to Southampton last time out, and he ended the Premier League season as the division's top-scoring defender. Delaney is once again alongside him, while Ward and Souare play on the flanks. Hennessey returns between the sticks, meanwhile, after Speroni was given a rare run-out for the club on Sunday.

Looking to breach that defensive line is Marcus Rashford, who starts in the FA Cup final for United just 86 days after making his debut for the club. Should Louis van Gaal leave at the end of the season then arguably the brightest aspect of his tenure will be the youngster he has brought through, be that forced on him by injury or not. Rashford is arguably the best example of that having burst onto the scene with two goals on his debut, and he comes into today's game with eight goals from 14 shots on target since breaking into the first team. Another goal for him today would see him become the second-youngest goalscorer in FA Cup final history at 18 years and 203 days. Only Norman Whiteside - also for United - can beat that record following his goal in the 1983 final aged only 18 years and 19 days.

Rashford has already been named in the England squad ahead of Euro 2016, so a goal and an FA Cup winners' medal really would cap off a memorable week for the teenager. He isn't the only young player to have impressed for United this season, though, with Anthony Martial making a very bright start to his time in England. There was pressure on his shoulders when he became the most expensive teen in football history last summer, but he has dealt with it really well and has contributed to 25 goals in all competitions this term. As expected, he starts again today and it could be argued that he is the most likely match-winner in either lineup.

Wayne Rooney continues in the number 10 role today, and after a disappointing campaign for the skipper he will be desperate to end it on a high today. For all of his achievements in the game, the FA Cup has so far eluded him in his career. It is the only major domestic honour that Rooney, and Carrick for that matter, are yet to win despite all of their years at Manchester United. Both start today along with Juan Mata, who incidentally is the only current United player to have won this trophy, doing so with Chelsea in 2012. Marouane Fellaini makes up the midfield having now served his three-match ban.

Fellaini in for Lingard is one of just two changes made to the side that beat Bournemouth in the final game of the Premier League season on Tuesday, with the other coming at left-back as Rojo replaces Borthwick-Jackson. The fit-again Darmian, Jones and Schneiderlin all only make the bench, then, as Valencia, Smalling and Blind make up the back four. Behind them has been many people's pick for United's player of the season yet again, with De Gea having overcome a farcical transfer saga last summer to win his side some vital points this term. Without him they may not have challenged for the Champions League places up to the closing week of the season and may not have made it all the way here to Wembley either.

FA CUP FINAL MEMORIES: United's memories of this competition will be a lot fonder than Palace's but they may be fading after 12 years without lifting the trophy. The last time they were victorious was in 2004 at the Millennium Stadium, when the likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Cristiano Ronaldo were amongst the scorers in a 3-0 victory over Millwall. United dealt with the tag of heavy favourites comfortably on that occasion in Cardiff and, while the odds aren't stacked quite as much in their favour this time around, will be hopeful of doing the same again today.

A defeat for Manchester United this afternoon would surely be the final nail in the coffin for Louis van Gaal, although recent reports have suggested that he could be offered a role as director of football at the club, with Jose Mourinho replacing him as head coach. Van Gaal has plenty of experience in these types of occasions, though, having won domestic cups in Netherlands, Spain and Germany - not to mention the Champions League and UEFA Cup. There is no doubting his managerial pedigree and his CV is certainly an impressive one, but his time in charge of United has been something of an anti-climax.

In many ways there can be parallels drawn between this final and the 1990 addition, aside from the obvious of the same two teams being involved. I mentioned earlier that Alex Ferguson was under pressure going into that 1990 clash, with defeat potentially seeing the end of his tenure at the club having been very close to the brink at a number of stages that season. Van Gaal has also reportedly been close to the sack this term, with those persistent reports linking Mourinho to the Old Trafford post and comes into this game needing a win. Even that may not be enough to save him, though, while Van Gaal has already hinted at plans to leave the club at the end of his contract so a Ferguson-style reign won't be happening with the Dutchman.

It is United's style of play under Van Gaal that has caused much of the ill-feeling towards him. Ferguson's sides always seemed to be full of goals and excitement, but United scored just 49 goals in the league this season - the second-lowest tally in the top 11 and a full 22 fewer than top-scorers Manchester City. In the end, no team conceded fewer goals due to Tottenham's 5-1 defeat at the hands of Newcastle on the final day, but it was matters at the other end that raised most concerns. That proved to be very costly too, with goal difference being what separated United from a place in the Champions League in the end.

It is the second time in the last three years that United have missed out on Champions League football, although as I alluded to earlier, things did improve over the closing stages of the season. The Red Devils ended the campaign with just one defeat in their last eight matches, winning six of those, including a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth on Tuesday. That match was infamously rearranged after a fake bomb gaffe on what was meant to be a final day, which means that they have had less rest than Palace ahead of this game today.

That is one positive that the Eagles can point to, and another is that they have had a more difficult route to the final than United. The Red Devils started off with wins over Sheffield United, Derby and Shrewsbury before finally coming up against Premier League opposition in the quarter-final. They needed a replay to get past West Ham in that game, and only a last-minute winner from Martial saw them past Everton in the semis too. They have now won their last five FA Cup games away from Old Trafford and are unbeaten in seven since April 2013, but in the Premier League this season they did not fare too well on their travels. They picked up just 25 points on the road compared to 41 at home - a tally only Leicester could beat.

FA CUP FINAL MEMORIES: They could still end the season with a trophy by winning today, but the current times at United will feel a world away from the Ferguson heyday of 1999 when he steered the club to the treble. There was drama all the way in each competition, but after being sent to the FA Cup final by Ryan Giggs's solo effort against Arsenal, things proved to be relatively straightforward against Newcastle. United ran out 2-0 winners on that day to pick up their most recent FA Cup trophy at Wembley.

PREDICTION: Right, we're fast approaching kickoff on this red-letter day in English football, so it's about time I made a prediction! Palace will coming into the game as heavy underdogs due to their 2016 form so far, and that is only exacerbated by the fact that United have been improving of late. Pardew and his players will no doubt be fired up for what is a huge day in their history, but it is hard to look past United's form and greater experience at this level. I'm going for a 2-1 Manchester United victory.

The two managers from that 1990 final between these two sides - Steve Coppell and Sir Alex Ferguson - have just emerged from the tunnel to deliver the FA Cup trophy. Ferguson then conducts an interview saying that his pre-match team talk would have been telling the players to enjoy the game - but that they would only enjoy it if they win the game.

Manchester United certainly have the upper hand when it comes to recent history between these two sides. They have won 15 and lost just one of the last 20 meetings, although that solitary defeat did come in cup competition when Palace knocked United out of the League Cup quarter-finals in 2011. That is a very rare example of the Eagles having bragging rights against United, but it is all about what happens on the day here.

These two sides met most recently just over a month ago when Crystal Palace travelled to Old Trafford in the Premier League, only to fall to a 2-0 defeat on that occasion. Delaney's own goal gave United an early lead before Matteo Darmian added a second. The reverse league fixture at Selhurst Park ended goalless.

From Tinie Tempah to the more traditional rendition of Abide with Me, the pre-match razzmatazz has now been completed and we're very nearly ready to go at Wembley. The teams emerge from the tunnel to be greeted by a raucous crowd.

The handshakes with Prince William has just been completed and now we will have the national anthem - although the singer seemed to miss the first half of the song! These pre-match formalities are going on longer than expected and will only be ramping up the pressure for these players.

KICKOFF: Here we go then! The 135th FA Cup final gets underway with Crystal Palace kicking us off at Wembley!

There really is a good atmosphere inside Wembley for this match. United have enjoyed more of the ball in the opening exchanges, but that will come as no surprise to Pardew and could actually play into his side's hands with their threat on the counter.

It's been a scrappy start to the game here, with neither side really able to string a good passing move together so far. Nerves playing a part perhaps?

Rashford make his first dart down a channel as he tries to push it past Delaney and collect it on the other side. Delaney slides in and just about gets his foot to the ball to concede a corner.

Palace haven't offered anything going forward so far, with the exception of an early cross that was claimed by De Gea. In truth there hasn't been much quality from either side in this opening 10 minutes or so.

Important block from Souare as he covers into the middle to deny Rashford from inside the area. Mata had slid the ball inside to the youngster and he looked to have a bit of space, but Souare quickly closed it down.

CHANCE! The first hint of a chance in this FA Cup final falls to Manchester United, who have had a lot of corners already. That is where this opening comes from as Fellaini attacks the ball, but he can't get enough on his header to test the keeper under good pressure from Jedinak.

United's corners have been the main story of this game so far. They are looking to come up with alternative ways to threaten a Palace defence who have a very good record defending set pieces this season, and so far they are looking dangerous from them.

SAVE! Rooney goes for goal from around 25 yards out and his shot takes a deflection on the way through. It looks to be going wide, but Hennessey tries to prevent the corner and makes a save. He spills it, though, before recovering just in time.

United are starting to look a little more threatening now. Rooney picks out Rojo down the left with a good pass, but the full-back's attempted cross is straight into the arms of Hennessey.

YELLOW CARD! Controversy here as Smalling finds himself in a foot race with Wickham before dragging the Palace man down. Wickham is quickly up and moves inside before finishing it into the bottom corner, but Mark Clattenburg had already blown the whistle. He shows a yellow card to Smalling, but the referee should have played advantage there.

SAVE! The resulting free kick is played towards Bolasie, who flicks a backward header towards goal. De Gea tips it over the crossbar fairly comfortably, though.

This has been much better from Palace in the last few minutes. They can feel hard done by over that lack of an advantage played by Clattenburg, but it seems to have sparked them into life here.

SAVE! Having said that, Mata nearly gives United the lead here with the best attacking moment of the game so far. Mata is the man who tries to feed a side-footed effort into the bottom corner after the ball broke back to him, but Hennessey is down really smartly to make a good save.

United win a free kick and Rooney tries to catch Hennessey out by taking it quickly, but the ball flies high and wide of the target.

CHANCE! Huge chance for United, and yet again it comes from a corner. Fellaini once again gets away from Jedinak briefly, and despite the Palace skipper being all over the midfielder he gets to the ball first. He doesn't connect with it cleanly, though, and it comes off Jedinak last on the way behind.

We've had almost half an hour of this game so far, and it is United who have come closest to scoring through Fellaini and Mata. The big talking point so far is Clattenburg not playing advantage when Wickham was in, though.

SHOTS! Two shots in quick succession from Palace as first Bolasie draws a save from De Gea before Wickham drills an effort wide. Both came from outside the box, but they are encouraging signs for Palace.

CHANCE! Big block from Ward to deny United the opener! Rashford does well down the right flank to skip away from Delaney before picking out Martial at the back post. The Frenchman goes for goal first time, but Ward throws himself in the way of the shot.

PENALTY SHOUT! Palace want a penalty as Blind is robbed in possession, which allows Zaha to race through on goal. He breaks into the box and it just about to pull the trigger when Rooney gets back and makes a sliding challenge. Rooney didn't touch the ball, though, and that could easily have been given as a penalty.

At the other end Souare makes another important block to deny Mata as United win another corner, although this time it comes to nothing.

SHOT! Carrick lets fly from range and gets plenty behind his effort, but it is always rising and ends up a long way over the crossbar.

The Palace fans are frustrated with Mark Clattenburg again here as he again doesn't play advantage, although this time it is more understandable from the referee and Ward only broke free because Rojo stopped.

YELLOW CARD! ...and Rojo goes into the book for that pull on Ward.

It has been a rather scrappy half on the whole here. Neither side is giving up anything easily and it is a real battle all over the park. It hasn't been an FA Cup final blessed with great quality so far, but it is an intriguing one.

Just a minute remaining in the first half of this FA Cup final, and Alan Pardew is getting increasingly frustrated on the touchline. He isn't particularly happy with referee Mark Clattenburg so far.

YELLOW CARD! Mata becomes the third United player in the book for a late challenge on Souare.

There will be one minute of added time at the end of this first half.

We're still all square at the halfway stage of the FA Cup final, then, but it was a half with plenty of talking points. United have come closest to scoring, but Palace feel hard done by after a couple of questionable refereeing decisions. It is still very much on a knife edge, however, and the coming 45 minutes should be very interesting indeed.

The biggest talking point so far arrived in the 18th minute when Mark Clattenburg blew up for a foul against Chris Smalling when he found himself in a foot race with Wickham and dragged the Palace man down. Wickham quickly bounced back up, however, and proceeded to cut inside and score, only for Clattenburg to pull play back when he should have played advantage. De Gea did stop playing when he heard the whistle, but at the very least the referee denied Palace a very good chance.

Palace were left bemoaning another Clattenburg decision with 10 minutes left in the first half when Rooney brought down Zaha in the penalty area after a mistake from Blind. The replays showed that Rooney didn't get anything on the ball, although the question was whether he made enough contact with Zaha. It could easily have been given, though, and only served to add to Palace's feeling of injustice.

United have come the closest to scoring, with Mata being denied by a fine save from Hennessey and Fellaini having a couple of chances from corners too. Really clear chances have been tough to come by, though, and when United have looked like getting a bit of space in the Palace box they have been denied by some big blocks from the Palace defence.

KICKOFF: Manchester United get us underway for this second half as both they and Crystal Palace look to break the deadlock and win the FA Cup in the coming 45 minutes.

YELLOW CARD! Dann picks up an early yellow card in this second half for dragging down Rashford, whose pace has troubled Palace at times here.

Wickham hurls two long-range throws into the area, with the second causing a few problems for United as it is only cleared as far as Bolasie. He lines up a shot, but slips at the vital moment and the chance goes begging.

It will be interesting to see which of these two sides opts to throw caution to the wind first. In truth both sides seem a little too cautious right now.

OFF THE POST! United are inches away from taking the lead! It is the closest we have come to a goal so far as Fellaini collects Rashford's flick before powering an effort towards goal that smashes against the post!

Hennessey was nowhere near that one from Fellaini, who struck it so sweetly. It was lovely play from Rashford to set it up too, and the youngster looks like the most dangerous player on the park today.

CHANCE! Half a chance for Palace from a free kick as Cabaye's delivery takes a flick off Smalling before reaching Jedinak at the back post. It is a difficult one for the skipper, though, and he blazes the half-volley well off target.

Palace win another free kick in a similar position and Cabaye is once again standing over it, but this time his delivery goes straight into the arms of De Gea.

Just half an hour remains in this FA Cup final now, and as things stand I wouldn't bet against this one going all the way to extra time. There hasn't been much to separate these two sides at all.

OFF THE POST! United are denied by the woodwork once again here! This time it is Martial who comes within the width of the post of breaking the deadlock, flicking a good header from Valencia's cross against the upright. Another escape for Palace!

YELLOW CARD! Delaney goes into the book for a heavy challenge on Rojo, and he can have no complaints with that one at all. He clattered into the United man, although a yellow is the right colour card.

Rojo is struggling after that challenge. He isn't moving freely at all on the left flank, but it looks as though he will try to run it off.

MAN UTD SUB: Rojo will not be able to carry on here as he limps off to be replaced by Matteo Darmian.

A Palace free kick causes problems in the United box as Dann flicks it goalwards and Smalling can only clear it as far as Delaney. He tries to flick a volley towards goal from the edge of the box, but his looping effort lands on the roof of the net.

There is more concern for United now as Rashford goes down and stays down in the area. He looks to be in some pain after being caught by Cabaye, who accidentally stood on the youngster. He should be fine to continue after that, though.

Rashford may not be able to continue after all. He limps off, and that looks like being a sad end to his breakthrough season. He will be hoping that it isn't anything too serious with England on the horizon too.

CRYSTAL PALACE SUB: Palace make their first change of the afternoon as Jason Puncheon replaces Cabaye.

MAN UTD SUB: That is swiftly followed by Rashford making way for Ashley Young, who goes straight into a central striking role. That is the second time he has played that position this season, and the first didn't go down too well with the fans!

Another fine block from Ward to deny Martial from a tight angle just as things were beginning to look dangerous for Palace. They have defended pretty stoutly today, although they have had to rely on the woodwork a couple of times too.

The Palace fans are still in fine voice with less than 15 minutes of this match remaining, but the Eagles haven't really tested De Gea yet today.

Palace do finally create a clear chance, and it provides the opener! A corner is cleared as far as Ward a long way from goal, but he flicks a fine pass back out to Puncheon down the left channel. He controls it well and then proceeds to lash his volley past De Gea from a tight angle. What a moment for the Palace sub!

Puncheon put so much behind that finish, but De Gea will be disappointed to have let that in at his near post.

What a response from United! They are behind for less than three minutes before levelling things up. Rooney is the creator, beating three defenders on his way into the box before being forced out wide but still managing to dig out a cross. He stands it up towards the back post and Fellaini chests it down for Mata, whose shot beats Ward on the line and goes in.

This game has just burst into life in the last five minutes or so. It seemed to be heading for a goalless draw just five minutes ago, but those quickfire goals have made things a lot more interesting. We're still on course for extra time, but both sides look more eager to push for a win here.

United seem to smell a bit of blood here! Valencia is afforded far too much space to get a cross in and a scramble ensues in the area before Palace finally get it behind for a corner.

CRYSTAL PALACE SUB: Another change for Palace here as Dwight Gayle replaces Wickham.

YELLOW CARD! Rooney dives into a rash challenge on Zaha, who skilfully avoids the contact. The intent was enough to warrant a booking for the United skipper, though.

CHANCE! Half a chance for Palace to go back in front as Souare swings a beauty of a cross into the middle, but Zaha can't connect with his attempted volley at the back post. It was a difficult one, but Zaha looks disappointed.

MAN UTD SUB: A third and final change for United sees Mata replaced by Jesse Lingard.

There will be five minutes of added time at the end of this match. Plenty of time for some late drama!

CRYSTAL PALACE SUB: Scott Dann's FA Cup final is over as he makes way to be replaced by Adrian Mariappa.

CLOSE! Zaha does well to muscle Smalling out of the way and advancing just into the area. Valencia comes across to cut off the angle, and Zaha can only fire his effort into the side-netting.

Extra time it is then! Jason Puncheon's late strike looked like being enough for Palace to end a 110-year wait for a major trophy, but the lead lasted less than three minutes before Juan Mata drew United level to force an additional 30 minutes.

KICKOFF: Manchester United get us back underway for extra time in this FA Cup final!

Almost a chance for Zaha in the first minute as Bolasie sends a great pass down the middle of the winger, but first Mata and then Rooney get a foot in to deny the former United man.

Alan Pardew may be more desperate for a Palace winner than ever before to spare his blushes after this premature celebration dance...

No chances to report in extra time so far as the Palace fans continue to cheer on their side. Both sides have made all three changes now, by the way, so there players currently on the field will need to last the distance.

SHOT! Rooney looks to put his side in front as he cuts inside from the left and looks to curl one into the far corner. You can see exactly what he is trying to do, but he bends the effort a few yards wide.

Almost a chance for United as Lingard overlaps on the right flank and pulls the ball back to Fellaini. The Belgian mis-hits his shot, though.

The Palace fans want a second yellow for Rooney as he catches Puncheon on the top of his foot, and the United skipper looks worried for a second. Puncheon makes very little of it, though, and Clattenburg lets it go.

YELLOW CARD! Fellaini goes go into the book, though, for leading with his elbow when going up for a challenge with Jedinak.

SAVE! De Gea makes a really smart save to deny Bolasie! It was a fine effort from the winger, who controlled his low volley beautifully, but De Gea is down quickly to turn it past the post.

Rooney is getting increasingly frustrated here, almost throwing the ball away after being forced out of play by Jedinak. He just about restrains himself, though, and it is important that he does - he is not far away from a second yellow here.

Now then! United will have to see out this game with just 10 men as Smalling drags down Bolasie as the winger attempted to spin away. It was a rugby tackle from Smalling and he can have no complaints, but you can understand exactly why he did it.

There is the halfway point in extra time, and the big news from that opening 15 minutes was the red card for Smalling thanks to two yellows. It was perhaps a little needless from Smalling as Bolasie was still a long way from goal, but it was a human reaction from the defender.

KICKOFF: Crystal Palace get us back underway for the second period of extra time looking to make the most of their numerical advantage in the coming 15 minutes. Can they do it, or will United hold out?

CHANCE! How many times has De Gea saved United this season? He does it again here as Zaha slides a pass through to Gayle, who takes a touch before poking one goalwards that De Gea keeps out with his feet.

YELLOW CARD! McArthur becomes the latest name in the book for dragging down Lingard.

CHANCE! Big chance for United to take the lead! Lingard does well to engineer space for a cross and delivers the ball in for Carrick, who arrives late but steers his header wide!

Oh my word, there won't have been many better FA Cup final goals than this! Valencia gets past a poor Puncheon challenge down the right flank and delivers a low ball into the box toward Martial. Palace get a foot in, but the ball drops to Lingard who unleashes a ferocious first-time volley into the top corner. What an incredible strike that is!

CLOSE! Palace almost level things up again moments later after falling behind as Jedinak curls an effort narrowly past the post.

What a finale we should be in for now. The 11 men of Palace have to throw everything at United now, but time is fast running out!

Palace are camped in the United half now, as you would expect, but they haven't created anything since that United goal. Can they break down this United defence?

SAVE! Another big save from De Gea as the ball is played down the left channel for Zaha, who just gets to the ball before the keeper, De Gea bravely throws himself at the winger's feet, though, and smothers the shot.

Just one minute of extra time remains for Palace to save their FA Cup dream!

There will be two minutes of injury time at the end of this match.

Palace walk up the steps of Wembley to receive their runners-up medals, and it is a much longer walk when you haven't won. The vast majority of the Palace fans have stayed behind to watch them and cheer their side on, incidentally.

Up come Manchester United now as Rooney and Carrick lead the way up the steps. Neither have won the FA Cup before, but they have ended that drought now.

And both Rooney and Carrick lift the cup together, which is a nice touch on what looks like being Carrick final appearance for the club. It is a great moment for both players, and every single one of those United men. A word should also go to Van Gaal, who has now won trophies in four different countries.

So Manchester United end their 12-year wait for an FA Cup triumph, and also their wait for a trophy without Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm. Whether or not it is enough to save Louis van Gaal's job remains to be seen, but it will certainly aid the Dutchman in discussions over his future. If he does keep his job then he has Lingard to thank after that stunning winner here.

It wasn't a classic FA Cup final in truth, with most of the action arriving from the 75th minute onwards, but it was blessed by one of the great FA Cup final goals and had no shortage of drama in the end. United hit the post twice before Palace broke the deadlock through Puncheon's volley, but the Eagles were in front for less than three minutes before Mata levelled things up. United were then reduced to 10 men in extra time as Smalling was shown a second yellow card, but that didn't prevent Lingard from lashing home the winner.

That is all we have time for this evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole on a memorable day for Manchester United as they are back in the trophies courtesy of a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in the 2016 FA Cup final. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction from Wembley too. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!