And whether Van Gaal eventually remembers his spell at Old Trafford with fondness or with regret, he will always thank Lingard for the stunning goal against Crystal Palace which settled the FA Cup in United’s favour.
Lingard’s emergence in the autumn was the first lasting sign that Van Gaal was prepared to give youth a chance. He had flirted with the use of younger players in times of adversity during his first campaign, but when Lingard got a decent run in the United first XI earlier this term it suggested the Dutchman really wanted him around for keeps.
Lately, of course, it has been Marcus Rashford creating the headlines, but even during a relatively quiet spell for Lingard his manager has persevered with him in the squad. If this is to be Van Gaal’s only piece of silverware before making way for a new boss, he can at least say he had a massive say in earning it.
The Jose Mourinho rumours will remain until United finally make a decision either way what they are likely to do, but if Van Gaal is asked to meet with the decision-makers at Old Trafford in the days to come he will have more than just semantics in his favour.
There was a rumour before Saturday’s game that United would appoint the Portuguese on Monday regardless of the result, but it would be a shock if a club which prides itself on its PR was to immediately follow a cup triumph with talk of regime change.
In many ways, their victory was typical of their season. A high rate of possession, a low shot rate but an ability to pull off a result just when they looked down and out.
Referee Mark Clattenburg had stolen the attention in the first half, twice halting promising Palace attacks in order to call back play and award the Eagles free-kicks instead. If Alan Pardew’s side felt aggrieved by half-time, they will have soon been feeling fortunate after watching Marouane Fellaini and Anthony Martial find the woodwork from decent efforts.
There was nothing lucky about Jason Puncheon’s wonderful strike which put Palace ahead with just 12 minutes remaining, but within three minutes they had been pegged back after falling asleep at the far post and allowing Juan Mata to steer home Fellaini’s knock-down after great work by Wayne Rooney.
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After Chris Smalling saw red on the stroke of the turnaround in extra-time, United were back up against it again but came up with the perfect response for a second time. When Antonio Valencia’s low cross was half-cleared, the volleyed response from Lingard was as emphatic as it was clinical.
A classic cup final it had not been, but one of the great FA Cup winners had brought a glorious climax to United’s season all the same.
The 2-1 victory was followed by the usual celebrations, with the trophy being passed along the line to glorious cheers but Van Gaal got a noticeably mixed response when the silverware reached him. United fans want a change of style but want the club to retain their faith in youngsters.
‘Youth, Courage, Success’ boasted a flag passed over the United end before kick-off. A youngster brought them success today, but what form the boardroom’s courage will now take is anybody’s guess.