Michael Carrick's assured performance is reason for United to keep him

Rooney played key part in both of United's goals against the Eagles

Manchester United deserved to win the FA Cup. It was their possession football versus Crystal Palace's counter-attacking, as we knew it would be.

But their individuals were better, and none more so than Wayne Rooney in his new deeper-lying role. He was man-of-the-match by a mile.

To enjoy cup finals, you have to win. But in addition, I think Rooney probably loved being so involved in the game.

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney put in a fine performance to help his side lift the FA Cup

Rooney starred in a deep-lying midfield role as United beat Crystal Palace 2-1 after extra time at Wembley

That 120 minutes would have given him a great deal of pleasure because he was never far from the ball. He was able to drop in behind the play where he couldn't get marked. He can hit the crossfield pass as we all know, he defended well when he had to.

I'd say that was the best I've seen him play in midfield, for United or England. He smacked of Paul Scholes in the way he sprayed the ball about.

He didn't break forward often, but when he did with United behind, he went through three or four players and created the equaliser.

Of course, he's good enough to play for England there. Either in a 4-3-3 as the most advanced midfielder or in a 4-4-2 diamond, Eric Dier at the base and Rooney at the top.

There isn't the same pressure for him to score goals in that position but he can come in and create for others. And of course he will get his share of goals took, as Scholes did. There are a lot of strings to his bow.

Yes, there were one or two sloppy passes but they were in the last third when he took a risk. People have to understand it's going to happen if you're ambitious. The important thing is not to give the ball away in your own third when it can lead to big problems.

You're entitled to hit a couple of loose passes when you have as much possession as Rooney did. He ran the show.

The 30-year-old made a purposeful run before providing a great cross to assist United's equaliser

Saturday's victory means that Rooney has won the FA Cup for the first time in his career

As for his part in the equaliser, that showed Rooney's desire. You can say things as a captain but there is no substitute for leading by example.

United must have been rocked by falling behind but it lasted only three minutes thanks to their leader, and credit to Marouane Fellaini in his part for Juan Mata's goal as well.

United have been a club in transition since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement and still are. But winning the FA Cup, their first trophy since 2013, will be a massive lift.

It's ironic it should be this cup. They semi-let the competition down when they withdrew from it, though we don't know what happened behind-the-scenes. Now all these years later, this is a massive trophy after a couple of years in the doldrums.

The youngsters have shown an exciting glimpse of what they could become, but the team still needs experience for progress to continue.

Rooney led by example as the Red Devils battled to a comeback victory over Palace at Wembley

Rooney's positional versatility is proving to be a valuable asset for both United and England

Rooney is part of that of course and I am surprised Michael Carrick hasn't been offered a new contract yet.

He is due to leave in the summer but I haven't seen enough from Bastian Schweinsteiger or Morgan Schneiderlin to suggest Carrick should be discarded.

If he does end up leaving Old Trafford, he won't be short of clubs who want him.

A lot will be made now of Louis van Gaal's future. If they'd also finished fourth, it would be virtually certain but qualifying for the Champions League was top of the agenda so they'll be taking a lot of different factors into account.

I suppose as a manager, if you've won a trophy and worked hard for it, you would feel you deserve another chance. The owners will have to think what is best in the long-term though. It's a big decision that will define United over the next few years.