ANTHONY MARTIAL darted through the Everton defense, slotted in Manchester United’s winner and continued his run past the Wembley Stadium stewards before launching himself into the crowd.

    It was a flash of pure elation after being so cool under pressure to score in the third minute of stoppage time Saturday and send United into its first FA Cup final in nine years with a 2-1 victory over Everton.

    Martial created Marouane Fellaini’s first-half opener but that was canceled out by Chris Smalling’s own goal and the semifinal was heading to extra time.

    Martial’s match-winning moment demonstrated why United was willing to commit up to 80 million euros (US$90 million) last year on acquiring a largely unproven teenager who is now 20 and a France international forward.

    “When you see the joy in the eyes of the players, that is fantastic to see,” United manager Louis van Gaal said.

    Winning soccer’s oldest knockout competition could yet provide Van Gaal with a glorious end to another underwhelming season.

    The Dutchman could deliver May 21 the club’s first major trophy since Alex Ferguson retired. United faces either Crystal Palace or Watford.

    Ferguson’s last act as United manager after 26 years was to deliver a 20th English title but the team has not come close to No. 21 since then — first under David Moyes and for the last two years with Van Gaal at the helm.

    (SD-Agencies)