New Delhi: Under-fire Louis van Gaal got an Old Trafford life-line after helping Manchester United to a record equaling 12th FA Cup title in extra time against Crystal Palace on Saturday.


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The final at Wembley Stadium witnessed underdogs Palace taking lead at the 78th minute with substitute Jason Puncheon slamming a shot past David de Gea at the near post.


But United equalised within three minutes as Marouane Fellaini, making a return from suspension, chested down Wayne Rooney`s right-sided cross for Juan Mata to volley home.


However, the match remained 1-1 even after injury time, forcing 30 minutes of extra time in London.


Palace seemed to have gained advantage at the 105th minute with the sending off of Chris Smalling for a second yellow card. The defender became only the fourth man to be sent off in an FA Cup final.


But within five minutes, Jesse Lingard produced a long ranger to beat Wayne Hennessey for the winner, after an Antonio Valencia creative from the right flank.


United, who also beat Palace after a replay in the 1990 final, have now become th joint highest winner with Arsenal. Alan Pardew's Palace were bidding to lift their first major trophy.


LVG's future at Old Trafford has become a major of intense speculation after the most successful club in England failed to book a Champions League spot.


But this trophy may well force the club to give some more time to the Dutchman.