Sunday 22 May 2016 15:59, UK
Scott Dann believes Manchester United deserved to win the FA Cup and says Crystal Palace must move on from their Wembley disappointment.
Jason Puncheon's 78th minute strike had put Palace on course to claim the first major domestic trophy in their 110-year history.
But Juan Mata equalised just three minutes later to take the match to extra-time, and despite having Chris Smalling sent off in the 105th minute, United went on to win the FA Cup for a record-equalling 12th time with Jesse Lingard netting a stunning winner.
"We're disappointed with the result, gutted," Dann said. "It's a great occasion to be involved in, but when you're on the losing side it doesn't make for a great day.
"In the first half we probably didn't play as well as we liked, but we got ourselves in front so to lose from there is disappointing, but Manchester United deserved to lift the trophy.
"We'll be looking to move forward, it's the only way we can go. We can't feel sorry for ourselves, we've done really well to get into this position, we took it to extra-time but it wasn't to be. We have to take the positives and move on to next season."
Dann was replaced in stoppage-time at the end of the second half after suffering an ankle injury and was later seen leaving Wembley on crutches with a protective boot around his right foot.
"I'm not too sure how it is or what I've done," he said. "I landed awkwardly and tried to shake it off, but it doesn't feel great."
The defeat means Palace miss out on qualification for next season's UEFA Europa League, with the final spot instead going to West Ham, who finished seventh in the Premier League.
The Eagles' cup run coincided with a poor run of form in the Premier League and midfielder James McArthur says the club can improve on their 15th-place finish next term.
"Obviously it's devastating to lose," McArthur said.
"It's more gutting the fact we went 1-0 up and conceded straight after. In extra-time we regrouped and went again and had opportunities. Everyone's so gutted, but we feel this club is going places.
"We had a good cup run and need to take that into the league next season. We had a good start to this season and want to carry that on."
