Crystal Palace hearts were torn asunder at Wembley after 10-man Manchester United came from behind to win the FA Cup 2-1.

Boss Alan Pardew praised his side’s heart and passion, but admitted the team will go home and lick its wounds in the light of a heart-breaking defeat.

He cut a forlorn figure in the post-match press conference, very different from the dancing Pardew seen by millions when Palace took the lead.

He said: “The players have given me everything – heart and passion, it was a great cup final – Man Utd were the same and it was even in the tactical game plan.

“They had more possession – they tried to get through us, but couldn’t – and with us hitting them on the break, it made for an enthralling final.

“In extra-time I felt we were in control, and then there was a wonder hit to win it. It could have gone either way and unfortunately it has not gone our way.

"But Crystal Palace as a football club handled themselves very well, and the fans showed the world that when they fill a stadium they will not get out-sung - they were brilliant.

Wandsworth Times:

Dignity in defeat: Palace fans soak up the disappointment

"We're trying to take the defeat with dignity, we wish Manchester United good luck in the Europa League, and we go home to lick our wounds.”

Pardew was not only disappointed with the result, but also bemoaned some of referee Mark Clattenburg’s decisions – especially in the first half when a Palace attack was pulled back for a foul rather than advantage being played, and a penalty shout that did not go the Eagles’ way.

Pardew said: “I was disappointed with the Connor Wickham decision in particular, you could see he was going to get up first and the advantage was really with us so to be brought back was harsh.

“Nevertheless there was enough in the first half to show that our tactical plan to stop them getting through us, that we had worked on really hard all week, was working for us.”

On the pitch, and in front of boisterous support from south London, the Eagles appeared to be heading for glory when Jason Puncheon fired them ahead with just 10 minutes remaining.

However, United were level almost immediately through Juan Mata and, despite being reduced to 10 men in extra time when Chris Smalling was sent off, a Jesse Lingard volley turned the result on its head and condemned Palace to runners-up medals.

There were limited chances in the first half, although Pardew was left fuming with referee Mark Clattenburg when he failed to play the advantage when it was in the Eagles’ favour.

In the first instance, Smalling was cautioned for a foul on Connor Wickham – the Palace striker went on to out the ball in the net, but the whistle had already been blown.

Wandsworth Times:

Tears: Joel Ward cannot hide his emotions at the final whistle

United had dominated possession in the opening exchanges, and in the second half they turned it into chances - only to be denied twice by the woodwork.

Marouane Fellaini hit the crossbar with an angled drive, and Anthony Martial’s brushed header deflected off the post with Wayne Hennessey beaten.

However, it was Palace who broke the deadlock on 80 minutes when Joel Ward’s ball over the United defence was collected by sub Puncheon and lashed home from a tight angle.

The celebrations did not last long however, when Fellaini’s cushioned touch set up Mata and his close-range shot squirmed through Ward’s legs for the equaliser.

The sides could not be separated in normal time, but the advantage swung in Palace’s favour in the first half of extra time when Smalling picked up a second yellow card for a dragging back Bolasie.

However, the last laugh fell to United sub Lingard, who lashed home a ferocious volley that gave Hennessey no chance.

Palace could not redeem the situation, although David De Gea in the Palace goal had to be alert to snuff out a late Wilfried Zaha chance.