Gary Neville said Manchester United's tribute to tragic former team-mate Jimmy Davis was more important than winning the FA Cup on Saturday.
All the players wore the number 36 shirt of Davis after the match
The United squad changed into shirts bearing the name and squad number of Davis, killed in a road accident last August, for the Cup presentation.
"Nine months ago, we had a team-mate. We still think about him and we mention him regularly," said Neville.
"Hopefully, what we did today will make Jimmy's parents smile for a moment."
United skipper Roy Keane instigated the move, which Sir Alex Ferguson and the rest of the Red Devils camp were fully behind.
"It shows our respect for a terrific lad," said Ferguson.
"Jimmy was a smashing kid. His family have found it very difficult so we hope they know we still remember him."
Keane said the all the players supported the tribute.
"It is important we remember how lucky we are," he said.