Juan Mata: ‘FA Cup win is good end to difficult season’

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has said that their FA Cup final victory over Crystal Palace brings a positive end to a “difficult year” for the club.

The Red Devils missed out on Champions League football as a result of their fifth-placed finish in the Premier League, but ended the campaign with silverware courtesy of a come-from-behind victory over Palace at Wembley this afternoon.

Mata scored to force extra time for his side before Jesse Lingard stole the headlines with a memorable winner after Mata had been withdrawn in the closing stages of normal time.

“It’s more difficult when you are watching from the bench in the final but we never gave up and fought until the end,” he is quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

“It’s been a tough season but we finish with good news for the fans. It was a great goal from Jesse. Today is a day to enjoy, especially for the fans as they have had a difficult year.”

Mata has now won the FA Cup twice in his career following his 2012 success with Chelsea.