The vultures may have been circling at Aldershot hoping a Carling Cup giantkilling could lead to talk of a crisis at United. However, Sir Alex Ferguson's side swiftly sent out a message that it's business as usual after the derby day disaster by cruising into the fifth round with a convincing 3-0 triumph.
Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen pressed their claims by making the most of rare starts with goals in the first half before Antonio Valencia's outstanding long-range drive ended the match as a contest. A mixture of youth and experience accounted for the Shots as easily as Leeds had been disposed of in the previous round to illustrate the strength in depth at the manager's disposal.
The Reds quickly slipped into gear with Tom Cleverley firing over the bar on his return from injury when Berbatov touched a Mame Biram Diouf header back to him. Nemanja Vidic picked up a yellow card for a clumsy foul on Alex Rodman but United were soon ahead after quarter of an hour. Ji-sung Park played an incisive one-two with Cleverley and nudged an instant pass to Berbatov, who took one touch before swivelling to sweep past Aldershot goalkeeper Ross Worner.
Berbatov should have had a clear penalty when he was felled by Luke Guttridge inside the box as Sir Alex's side threatened to overwhelm the League Two team. Fabio's shot deflected wide, Berbatov's dangerous header into the six-yard box was cleared and United forced seven corners inside the first 25 minutes.
But, to their credit, Town rallied and traded goal attempts with their illustrious opponents for a spell - even if Ben Amos was only worked by one effort, from top scorer Danny Hylton. As if to emphasis the obvious gulf in quality, Owen doubled the lead to quieten the capacity crowd. After picking out Berbatov with a raking pass, the number seven showed his thirst for goals by arriving in the box on cue to convert the Bulgarian's inviting assist, despite Worner getting a touch to the shot.
The second half started in a similar vein as Valencia collected a Cleverley pass and hit a stunning drive with whip and bend that crashed high into the net over Worner's despairing dive. Berbatov was working harder than anybody and, after feeling aggrieved when having another penalty appeal waved away, as Aaron Morris handled, he stormed through when linking up with Park and dragged his finish wide when really deserving another goal.
Paul Pogba was introduced, for Cleverley, and soon had a shot well wide before Ravel Morrison and Michael Keane, for his debut, also came on for a taste of the action. United kept pressing but Park drilled wide when picked out from a corner by Owen and only a fine Darren Jones tackle thwarted Morrison following an exquisite exchange of flicks with Berbatov. Park's dynamic solo run ended with referee Peter Walton pulling play back for a free-kick on the edge of the box with Berbatov's set-piece pushed away by Worner as the Shots continued the process of damage limitation.
The game finished with a flurry of threats - Valencia spurned a glorious late chance after bursting through and Guttridge hammered a shot wide as the hosts sought a consolation goal that would at least have cheered their support. Guttridge also brought a flying save out of Amos in the closing stages with the keeper showing his concentration when it mattered most. There was to be no joy for Aldershot - nor for those hoping United's weekend misery would be prolonged any longer.
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Showing posts with label Carling Cup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Carling Cup. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Aldershot T. Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips
Aldershot T. [0 - 3] Manchester United
15' [0 - 1] D. Berbatov
41' [0 - 2] M. Owen
48' [0 - 3] L.A. Valencia
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15' [0 - 1] D. Berbatov
41' [0 - 2] M. Owen
48' [0 - 3] L.A. Valencia
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Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Leeds United Vs. Manchester United Match Result Report
United defused a potentially explosive Carling Cup tie at Leeds with a first-half display of composure, control and devastating football.
Michael Owen is simply a natural goalscorer. Within 15 minutes of his first involvement of the campaign, the striker had silenced the home fans and his second strike was a thing of beauty. Captain Ryan Giggs capped of 45 minutes of dominant play with a stunning solo effort that he could have been scoring here in the mid-nineties.
Even with a side designed to give players a game under their belt, hence the inclusion of Michael Carrick alongside Ezekiel Fryers at centre-back and four forwards in the line-up, the Reds were a cut above their rivals from across the Pennines.
The game’s first opening fell to the hosts, and spawned a melee of desperate interventions in the United ranks. Tom Lees’ powerful header was blocked by Dimitar Berbatov, Ben Amos repelled the defender’s follow-up and Berbatov was again on hand to thwart Ross McCormack’s attempts to turn in the loose ball.
Around a game largely devoid of early inspiration, however, the most compelling contest was taking place off the field, as both factions of supporters waged choral war on one another. On the quarter-hour mark, only the visiting section was audible as United moved ahead in devastatingly simple circumstances.
Berbatov slid an inch-perfect pass into the path of Ji-sung Park, who had timed his run perfectly. The South Korean fed Owen, who needed only two touches: one with his right foot to tee up the shot; the second with his left foot to roll a finish in-between Aidan White’s legs and into the net, via the base of Andy Lonergan’s left-hand post.
Leeds’ response was gradual, as Adam Clayton thudded a decent effort into Amos’ midriff and Robert Snodgrass curled a shot just past the upright, but the hosts’ growing menace was soon nipped in the bud, and again in clinical fashion.
Mame Biram Diouf rolled off the attentions of Leigh Bromby and advanced down the right flank before slipping a neat pass into the path of Owen. Again, the striker’s predatory instincts kicked in. One touch to kill the ball, another to send it hurtling into Lonergan’s top corner with hardly any backlift.
Thereafter, Leeds’ defence creaked under pressure every time United picked up the ball in midfield, with Giggs and Park pulling the attacking strings and Owen and Berbatov dropping between the hosts’ lines to link play. Antonio Valencia slid horribly wide from the six-yard box, then forced Lonergan into a scrambling save as he tried to drill a low cross to the lurking Owen, but a third goal finally arrived in the final moments of the half.
Giggs took a short corner to Park, received the ball back and nutmegged Snodgrass with regal ease, before advancing into the box and stabbing a finish which nicked Luciano Becchio’s shin on its way past Lonergan. That was the veteran’s final contribution of the half, as he made way for Paul Pogba during the interval.
Leeds had no answer and were unable to muster a significant response with Owen close to completing a hat-trick with a chip that drifted wide, after latching onto a Berbatov through ball and displaying composure inside the box. Another threaded through ball by Berbatov released Federico Macheda but the Italian shot wide when offside in any case.
Amos was rarely tested but handled well under pressure from Ross McCormack as Sir Alex introduced fit-again Danny Welbeck and another debutant in Larnell Cole in place of Diouf and Macheda.
Clayton, a self-confessed City fan, was unable to grab a consolation he'd remember when his effort blazed over the top with United limiting the hosts to sporadic attacks and moments of danger. Even an injury to Fryers, who was flawless at the back, which led to Park and then Berbatov filling in for the ten men at the heart of the defence, seemed to add insult to injury to Simon Grayson's team. Ramon Nunez's late shot wide proved to be the final effort as the Reds eased through.
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Michael Owen is simply a natural goalscorer. Within 15 minutes of his first involvement of the campaign, the striker had silenced the home fans and his second strike was a thing of beauty. Captain Ryan Giggs capped of 45 minutes of dominant play with a stunning solo effort that he could have been scoring here in the mid-nineties.
Even with a side designed to give players a game under their belt, hence the inclusion of Michael Carrick alongside Ezekiel Fryers at centre-back and four forwards in the line-up, the Reds were a cut above their rivals from across the Pennines.
The game’s first opening fell to the hosts, and spawned a melee of desperate interventions in the United ranks. Tom Lees’ powerful header was blocked by Dimitar Berbatov, Ben Amos repelled the defender’s follow-up and Berbatov was again on hand to thwart Ross McCormack’s attempts to turn in the loose ball.
Around a game largely devoid of early inspiration, however, the most compelling contest was taking place off the field, as both factions of supporters waged choral war on one another. On the quarter-hour mark, only the visiting section was audible as United moved ahead in devastatingly simple circumstances.
Berbatov slid an inch-perfect pass into the path of Ji-sung Park, who had timed his run perfectly. The South Korean fed Owen, who needed only two touches: one with his right foot to tee up the shot; the second with his left foot to roll a finish in-between Aidan White’s legs and into the net, via the base of Andy Lonergan’s left-hand post.
Leeds’ response was gradual, as Adam Clayton thudded a decent effort into Amos’ midriff and Robert Snodgrass curled a shot just past the upright, but the hosts’ growing menace was soon nipped in the bud, and again in clinical fashion.
Mame Biram Diouf rolled off the attentions of Leigh Bromby and advanced down the right flank before slipping a neat pass into the path of Owen. Again, the striker’s predatory instincts kicked in. One touch to kill the ball, another to send it hurtling into Lonergan’s top corner with hardly any backlift.
Thereafter, Leeds’ defence creaked under pressure every time United picked up the ball in midfield, with Giggs and Park pulling the attacking strings and Owen and Berbatov dropping between the hosts’ lines to link play. Antonio Valencia slid horribly wide from the six-yard box, then forced Lonergan into a scrambling save as he tried to drill a low cross to the lurking Owen, but a third goal finally arrived in the final moments of the half.
Giggs took a short corner to Park, received the ball back and nutmegged Snodgrass with regal ease, before advancing into the box and stabbing a finish which nicked Luciano Becchio’s shin on its way past Lonergan. That was the veteran’s final contribution of the half, as he made way for Paul Pogba during the interval.
Leeds had no answer and were unable to muster a significant response with Owen close to completing a hat-trick with a chip that drifted wide, after latching onto a Berbatov through ball and displaying composure inside the box. Another threaded through ball by Berbatov released Federico Macheda but the Italian shot wide when offside in any case.
Amos was rarely tested but handled well under pressure from Ross McCormack as Sir Alex introduced fit-again Danny Welbeck and another debutant in Larnell Cole in place of Diouf and Macheda.
Clayton, a self-confessed City fan, was unable to grab a consolation he'd remember when his effort blazed over the top with United limiting the hosts to sporadic attacks and moments of danger. Even an injury to Fryers, who was flawless at the back, which led to Park and then Berbatov filling in for the ten men at the heart of the defence, seemed to add insult to injury to Simon Grayson's team. Ramon Nunez's late shot wide proved to be the final effort as the Reds eased through.
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Leeds United Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips
Leeds United [0 - 3] Manchester United
15' [0 - 1] M. Owen
32' [0 - 2] M. Owen
45' [0 - 3] R. Giggs
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15' [0 - 1] M. Owen
32' [0 - 2] M. Owen
45' [0 - 3] R. Giggs
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Sunday, February 28, 2010
Aston Villa Vs. Manchester United Match Result Report
United claimed the first silverware of the new decade thanks to goals in each half from cup final specialist Michael Owen and the super substitute who replaced him – Wayne Rooney.
The latter’s 28th strike of the season edged an entertaining Carling Cup final in favour of the Reds, who therefore retained a cup for the first time in the club’s history. The prospects of this had looked grim after just five minutes when Nemanja Vidic pulled down Gabriel Agbonlahor – but avoided a red card – and James Milner put Aston Villa 1-0 up from the penalty spot.
But Owen’s latest goal in a domestic showpiece – he netted for a certain former club in the 2001 FA Cup and 2003 League Cup finals – ensured there was parity for a large portion of the match until Rooney triumphantly headed home 16 minutes from time.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s surprise omission of Rooney from his starting XI was one of six differences to the side which kicked off against Man City in the scintillating semi win. Edwin van der Sar, Paul Scholes, the banned Nani and the injured Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs were also out; in came Tomasz Kuszczak, Nemanja Vidic, Antonio Valencia, Ji-sung Park and the front pair of Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen.
One of the mainstays, and United skipper for the day, Patrice Evra had to defend acrobatically inside the first minute to repel a free-kick from Ashley Young on Villa’s left flank. The resulting corner was also dealt with but Martin O’Neill’s men had posted an early warning, one which the Reds failed to heed.
Moments later, Gabriel Agbonlahor broke beyond the backline and when Nemanja Vidic hauled him down, there were no arguments as referee Phil Dowd pointed to the spot.
The only debate would have been over Vidic’s right to stay on the field – he did, and had to look on in agony as James Milner punished his misdemeanour with a well-struck penalty low to Kuszczak’s left. Villa 1 United 0, after just five minutes.
The Serbian wasn’t even booked but opposite number James Collins did see yellow when he sent Owen sprawling at the other end, unfortunately outside the box.
Carrick wasted the opportunity from the free-kick but his namesake Owen soon meted out his own justice when he swept home the equaliser. Berbatov mugged dawdling Richard Dunne and when the former Manchester City defender caught up with the Bulgarian, he only succeeded in freeing the ball up for Owen to beat Brad Friedel.
Still inside a busy first 20 minutes, Kuszczak denied Milner’s left-foot shot with a fine save and Stewart Downing followed Collins into the book for a foul on Evra. Carrick, however, inexplicably escaped a caution when he brought down Heskey.
Kuszczak made his second save when Heskey turned well inside the box following a setpiece but it was a comfortable collection for the Pole playing his first game since early January.
Ironic cheers from the Villa fans greeted United’s first booking, for Evra’s trip on Ashley Young, but they were not so fond of the first substitution – Rooney on for hamstring victim Owen, a few minutes before the break.
Villa were still adjusting to the change when Park almost put the Reds 2-1 up. The Korean’s well-struck shot came back off the post and was cleared by Cuellar, this after Valencia skipped past the grounded Stephen Warnock and pulled the ball back.
That closing attack and the introduction of Rooney augured well for the second half. Indeed, Wayne was the first player to try his luck after the break but sliced wide from outside the area after a promising push through the middle by Carrick.
The midfielder did much better and drew a brilliant parry from Friedel at the end of a flowing United move involving Park and the back-heeling Berbatov. On the counter-attack, Agbonlahor ran at Vidic but whipped his shot well past the far post.
Such was the pattern of the second period; the Reds seeing more of the ball and patiently probing, and Villa waiting to utilise the electric pace of Young and Agbonlahor against Evra on a card and Neville on as a substitute for Rafael.
Vidic became the second United defender to be booked when he clattered Agbonlahor from behind – censure that was long overdue in the view of Villa fans and neutrals.
The same trio that undid West Ham in midweek combined again to upset another team of a claret and blue persuasion in the 74th minute. Berbatov sublimely flicked a ball on to Valencia and when the Ecuadorian dug out a cross under pressure on the right, Rooney rose to send a header arcing past Friedel’s hand into the top right-hand corner and trigger scenes of ecstasy among the United fans and coaching staff alike.
The goal was as brave as it was brilliant with Collins looming large in Rooney’s face; there was no such opposition when Valencia found Wayne again moments later but Friedel’s right-hand post prevented the free header causing further damage to Villa.
So the game remained far from over, and that point was underlined when Kuszczak had to push the ball over his bar when a right-wing cross was directed goalwards. But United remained the more likely to score and when Valencia surged forward in injury time, he deserved more than to strike the side netting.
A third goal wasn’t required though, and for once in normal time at the new Wembley, United were victorious. Cue joyous celebrations as Evra collected the 26th major trophy of Sir Alex’s amazing 23-year reign.
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The latter’s 28th strike of the season edged an entertaining Carling Cup final in favour of the Reds, who therefore retained a cup for the first time in the club’s history. The prospects of this had looked grim after just five minutes when Nemanja Vidic pulled down Gabriel Agbonlahor – but avoided a red card – and James Milner put Aston Villa 1-0 up from the penalty spot.
But Owen’s latest goal in a domestic showpiece – he netted for a certain former club in the 2001 FA Cup and 2003 League Cup finals – ensured there was parity for a large portion of the match until Rooney triumphantly headed home 16 minutes from time.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s surprise omission of Rooney from his starting XI was one of six differences to the side which kicked off against Man City in the scintillating semi win. Edwin van der Sar, Paul Scholes, the banned Nani and the injured Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs were also out; in came Tomasz Kuszczak, Nemanja Vidic, Antonio Valencia, Ji-sung Park and the front pair of Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen.
One of the mainstays, and United skipper for the day, Patrice Evra had to defend acrobatically inside the first minute to repel a free-kick from Ashley Young on Villa’s left flank. The resulting corner was also dealt with but Martin O’Neill’s men had posted an early warning, one which the Reds failed to heed.
Moments later, Gabriel Agbonlahor broke beyond the backline and when Nemanja Vidic hauled him down, there were no arguments as referee Phil Dowd pointed to the spot.
The only debate would have been over Vidic’s right to stay on the field – he did, and had to look on in agony as James Milner punished his misdemeanour with a well-struck penalty low to Kuszczak’s left. Villa 1 United 0, after just five minutes.
The Serbian wasn’t even booked but opposite number James Collins did see yellow when he sent Owen sprawling at the other end, unfortunately outside the box.
Carrick wasted the opportunity from the free-kick but his namesake Owen soon meted out his own justice when he swept home the equaliser. Berbatov mugged dawdling Richard Dunne and when the former Manchester City defender caught up with the Bulgarian, he only succeeded in freeing the ball up for Owen to beat Brad Friedel.
Still inside a busy first 20 minutes, Kuszczak denied Milner’s left-foot shot with a fine save and Stewart Downing followed Collins into the book for a foul on Evra. Carrick, however, inexplicably escaped a caution when he brought down Heskey.
Kuszczak made his second save when Heskey turned well inside the box following a setpiece but it was a comfortable collection for the Pole playing his first game since early January.
Ironic cheers from the Villa fans greeted United’s first booking, for Evra’s trip on Ashley Young, but they were not so fond of the first substitution – Rooney on for hamstring victim Owen, a few minutes before the break.
Villa were still adjusting to the change when Park almost put the Reds 2-1 up. The Korean’s well-struck shot came back off the post and was cleared by Cuellar, this after Valencia skipped past the grounded Stephen Warnock and pulled the ball back.
That closing attack and the introduction of Rooney augured well for the second half. Indeed, Wayne was the first player to try his luck after the break but sliced wide from outside the area after a promising push through the middle by Carrick.
The midfielder did much better and drew a brilliant parry from Friedel at the end of a flowing United move involving Park and the back-heeling Berbatov. On the counter-attack, Agbonlahor ran at Vidic but whipped his shot well past the far post.
Such was the pattern of the second period; the Reds seeing more of the ball and patiently probing, and Villa waiting to utilise the electric pace of Young and Agbonlahor against Evra on a card and Neville on as a substitute for Rafael.
Vidic became the second United defender to be booked when he clattered Agbonlahor from behind – censure that was long overdue in the view of Villa fans and neutrals.
The same trio that undid West Ham in midweek combined again to upset another team of a claret and blue persuasion in the 74th minute. Berbatov sublimely flicked a ball on to Valencia and when the Ecuadorian dug out a cross under pressure on the right, Rooney rose to send a header arcing past Friedel’s hand into the top right-hand corner and trigger scenes of ecstasy among the United fans and coaching staff alike.
The goal was as brave as it was brilliant with Collins looming large in Rooney’s face; there was no such opposition when Valencia found Wayne again moments later but Friedel’s right-hand post prevented the free header causing further damage to Villa.
So the game remained far from over, and that point was underlined when Kuszczak had to push the ball over his bar when a right-wing cross was directed goalwards. But United remained the more likely to score and when Valencia surged forward in injury time, he deserved more than to strike the side netting.
A third goal wasn’t required though, and for once in normal time at the new Wembley, United were victorious. Cue joyous celebrations as Evra collected the 26th major trophy of Sir Alex’s amazing 23-year reign.
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Aston Villa Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips
Aston Villa [1 - 2] Manchester United
5' [1 - 0] J. Milner (pen.)
13' [1 - 1] M. Owen
74' [1 - 2] W. Rooney
Celebration
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5' [1 - 0] J. Milner (pen.)
13' [1 - 1] M. Owen
74' [1 - 2] W. Rooney
Celebration
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Sunday, March 1, 2009
Manchester United Vs. Tottenham Highlights Video Clip
Manchester United * [0 - 0] Tottenham Hotspurs
penalty shoot-out : [4 - 1]
Highlights
Extended Highlights
Penalties
Celebrations
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penalty shoot-out : [4 - 1]
Highlights
Extended Highlights
Penalties
Celebrations
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Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Manchester United Vs. Derby County Highlights Video
United can add a third League Cup to the honours board on 1 March after booking a place in the Wembley final with a thrilling 4-2 win at Old Trafford.
Trailing 1-0 from the away leg, the Reds wasted little time in taking control of this tie with first-half goals from Nani, John O’Shea and Carlos Tevez. But the world champions needed a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo to make absolutely sure of victory in the second half when substitute Giles Barnes claimed a memorable brace for brave Derby County.
Sir Alex Ferguson made two changes to the side which slipped to a first-leg defeat at Derby, with Ben Foster making his first start in goal since the quarter-final victory over Blackburn and Ryan Giggs replacing Paul Scholes in midfield.
Though United started strongly, Kris Commons soon reminded us why the Rams came to Old Trafford with an advantage when he unleashed a tremendous shot not dissimilar to his goal at Pride Park; this one swerved just wide with Foster pawing the air.
Moments later Ryan Giggs tested his former team-mate Roy Carroll with a teasing ball towards the back post and while the Derby goalkeeper coped well with this one, he had no answer to United’s glorious opener.
If stunning goals marked Nani’s arrival at Old Trafford, then another could reignite his form in a challenging second season. There seemed little danger to Derby when he picked up the ball close to halfway but seconds later it was nestling in the net after the Portuguese raced at the Rams’ defence and cut inside to strike an unstoppable shot beyond Carroll.
Rafael’s rash challenge on Derby left-winger Steve Davies brought the game’s first yellow card. In the ensuing play from the free-kick, Gary Neville was twice called upon to make commanding headers at the heart of defence, the second directed into the hands of his own goalkeeper.
John O’Shea doubled United’s lead in the 22nd minute when Danny Welbeck fed a first-time ball into the area and the Irishman steadied himself before sliding a low shot to Carroll’s right. O’Shea lapped up the applause and why not, it being his first goal since April 2007 when he scored in the pivotal 4-2 league win at Everton.
Carroll’s agility thwarted a third inside the first 30 minutes when Welbeck’s shot hit the ground and bounced up dangerously, only for the Rams keeper to flick the ball over the bar. But the Reds would not be denied for much longer and when Rafael whipped in a superb cross from Ryan Giggs’ short corner, Tevez was perfectly placed to nod home emphatically from six yards.
The third goal’s provider almost turned goal scorer when he raced forward yet again, traded a one-two with Giggs and lashed a rising shot into the side netting. It was to be Rafael’s last act unfortunately – picking up an injury, he left the field shortly before half-time to be replaced by Darren Fletcher.
The Reds started the second half in the same attacking manner but when Nani swung a boot with the fans urging him to shoot, the Portuguese found only fresh air under a foul challenge from Rams substitute Robbie Savage. From the resulting free-kick Giggs almost punished his former Wales and United youth team-mate, but his neatly curled free-kick was palmed away by Carroll.
Another near miss left Tevez clutching his head in agony – the Argentine’s aim was true but the linesman rightly spotted he’d strayed offside before beating Carroll again.
Bringing on Cristiano Ronaldo seemed almost a cruel act by Sir Alex Ferguson but far from being intimidated, the Rams launched the very next attack and almost pulled a goal back when Neville’s touch on Rob Hulse’s cross skidded fractionally wide of the far post. Hulse later won Derby’s first corner with a shot on the turn and when United struggled to clear the setpiece, Paul Green fired just over the top.
Derby’s reshuffle after an injury to centre-back Andy Todd reflected their predicament – chasing the game, Nigel Clough sent on Dutch attacking midfielder Nacer Barazite, a loan signing from Arsenal. Later he replaced Kris Commons, another injury victim, with fit-again prospect Giles Barnes.
The most significant substitution, however, saw Sir Alex give 19 year-old James Chester his United debut. The reserve team captain replaced his senior counterpart Gary Neville in the 67th minute and while the 3-0 cushion suggested it would be an easy introduction, Derby pressed enough to make it a decent test for the teenager. Hulse headed over from Paul Connolly’s cross, for example, as Jonny Evans nursed a worrying injury at the heart of United’s now unfamiliar defence.
Evans’ woes were compounded when his sliding challenge brought Green down in the box and referee Mike Dean pointed to the penalty spot in the 79th minute. Derby sub Barnes despatched the dead ball with aplomb to Foster’s right and set Old Trafford up for a tense last ten with only more goal needed to take the tie into extra-time.
Carroll made a double save to deny a Portuguese one-two, stopping Ronaldo’s shot with his feet and then punching away the rebound effort from Nani. But Derby’s hero in that moment turned villain when he crazily hacked down Tevez for another penalty, this time at the Stretford End, and Ronaldo did the rest to end the contest, surely?
In fact, the action didn't end there. After the Portuguese's powerfully drilled shot made it 4-1 on the night, Barnes struck a free-kick in off the post for his and Derby’s second goal of a dramatic semi-final night in the Manchester rain.
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Trailing 1-0 from the away leg, the Reds wasted little time in taking control of this tie with first-half goals from Nani, John O’Shea and Carlos Tevez. But the world champions needed a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo to make absolutely sure of victory in the second half when substitute Giles Barnes claimed a memorable brace for brave Derby County.
Sir Alex Ferguson made two changes to the side which slipped to a first-leg defeat at Derby, with Ben Foster making his first start in goal since the quarter-final victory over Blackburn and Ryan Giggs replacing Paul Scholes in midfield.
Though United started strongly, Kris Commons soon reminded us why the Rams came to Old Trafford with an advantage when he unleashed a tremendous shot not dissimilar to his goal at Pride Park; this one swerved just wide with Foster pawing the air.
Moments later Ryan Giggs tested his former team-mate Roy Carroll with a teasing ball towards the back post and while the Derby goalkeeper coped well with this one, he had no answer to United’s glorious opener.
If stunning goals marked Nani’s arrival at Old Trafford, then another could reignite his form in a challenging second season. There seemed little danger to Derby when he picked up the ball close to halfway but seconds later it was nestling in the net after the Portuguese raced at the Rams’ defence and cut inside to strike an unstoppable shot beyond Carroll.
Rafael’s rash challenge on Derby left-winger Steve Davies brought the game’s first yellow card. In the ensuing play from the free-kick, Gary Neville was twice called upon to make commanding headers at the heart of defence, the second directed into the hands of his own goalkeeper.
John O’Shea doubled United’s lead in the 22nd minute when Danny Welbeck fed a first-time ball into the area and the Irishman steadied himself before sliding a low shot to Carroll’s right. O’Shea lapped up the applause and why not, it being his first goal since April 2007 when he scored in the pivotal 4-2 league win at Everton.
Carroll’s agility thwarted a third inside the first 30 minutes when Welbeck’s shot hit the ground and bounced up dangerously, only for the Rams keeper to flick the ball over the bar. But the Reds would not be denied for much longer and when Rafael whipped in a superb cross from Ryan Giggs’ short corner, Tevez was perfectly placed to nod home emphatically from six yards.
The third goal’s provider almost turned goal scorer when he raced forward yet again, traded a one-two with Giggs and lashed a rising shot into the side netting. It was to be Rafael’s last act unfortunately – picking up an injury, he left the field shortly before half-time to be replaced by Darren Fletcher.
The Reds started the second half in the same attacking manner but when Nani swung a boot with the fans urging him to shoot, the Portuguese found only fresh air under a foul challenge from Rams substitute Robbie Savage. From the resulting free-kick Giggs almost punished his former Wales and United youth team-mate, but his neatly curled free-kick was palmed away by Carroll.
Another near miss left Tevez clutching his head in agony – the Argentine’s aim was true but the linesman rightly spotted he’d strayed offside before beating Carroll again.
Bringing on Cristiano Ronaldo seemed almost a cruel act by Sir Alex Ferguson but far from being intimidated, the Rams launched the very next attack and almost pulled a goal back when Neville’s touch on Rob Hulse’s cross skidded fractionally wide of the far post. Hulse later won Derby’s first corner with a shot on the turn and when United struggled to clear the setpiece, Paul Green fired just over the top.
Derby’s reshuffle after an injury to centre-back Andy Todd reflected their predicament – chasing the game, Nigel Clough sent on Dutch attacking midfielder Nacer Barazite, a loan signing from Arsenal. Later he replaced Kris Commons, another injury victim, with fit-again prospect Giles Barnes.
The most significant substitution, however, saw Sir Alex give 19 year-old James Chester his United debut. The reserve team captain replaced his senior counterpart Gary Neville in the 67th minute and while the 3-0 cushion suggested it would be an easy introduction, Derby pressed enough to make it a decent test for the teenager. Hulse headed over from Paul Connolly’s cross, for example, as Jonny Evans nursed a worrying injury at the heart of United’s now unfamiliar defence.
Evans’ woes were compounded when his sliding challenge brought Green down in the box and referee Mike Dean pointed to the penalty spot in the 79th minute. Derby sub Barnes despatched the dead ball with aplomb to Foster’s right and set Old Trafford up for a tense last ten with only more goal needed to take the tie into extra-time.
Carroll made a double save to deny a Portuguese one-two, stopping Ronaldo’s shot with his feet and then punching away the rebound effort from Nani. But Derby’s hero in that moment turned villain when he crazily hacked down Tevez for another penalty, this time at the Stretford End, and Ronaldo did the rest to end the contest, surely?
In fact, the action didn't end there. After the Portuguese's powerfully drilled shot made it 4-1 on the night, Barnes struck a free-kick in off the post for his and Derby’s second goal of a dramatic semi-final night in the Manchester rain.
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Manchester United Vs. Derby County Highlights Video
Manchester United [4 - 2] Derby County
16' [1 - 0] Nani
22' [2 - 0] J. O'Shea
34' [3 - 0] C.A. Tevez
80' [3 - 1] G. Barnes (pen.)
89' [4 - 1] C. Ronaldo (pen.)
90' [4 - 2] G. Barnes
16' 1-0 Nani [Manchester Unt.]
22' 2-0 O' Shea [Manchester Unt.]
34' 3-0 Carlos Tevez [Manchester Unt.]
80' 3-1 Barnes [Derby]
89' 4-1 (pen) Cristiano Ronaldo [Manchester Unt.]
90' 4-2 Barnes [Derby]
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16' [1 - 0] Nani
22' [2 - 0] J. O'Shea
34' [3 - 0] C.A. Tevez
80' [3 - 1] G. Barnes (pen.)
89' [4 - 1] C. Ronaldo (pen.)
90' [4 - 2] G. Barnes
16' 1-0 Nani [Manchester Unt.]
22' 2-0 O' Shea [Manchester Unt.]
34' 3-0 Carlos Tevez [Manchester Unt.]
80' 3-1 Barnes [Derby]
89' 4-1 (pen) Cristiano Ronaldo [Manchester Unt.]
90' 4-2 Barnes [Derby]
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Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Manchester United Vs. Blackburn Rovers Highlights Video Clip
Manchester United [4 - 2] Blackburn Rovers
36' [1 - 0] C.A. Tevez
40' [2 - 0] Nani
48' [2 - 1] B. McCarthy
51' [3 - 1] C.A. Tevez (pen.)
54' [4 - 1] C.A. Tevez
84' [4 - 2] M. Derbyshire
90' [5 - 3] C.A. Tevez B. McCarthy
1-0 Tevez 38'
2-0 Nani 40'
2-1 Mccarthy 48'
3-1 Tevez (Penalty) 51'
4-1 Tevez 54'
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36' [1 - 0] C.A. Tevez
40' [2 - 0] Nani
48' [2 - 1] B. McCarthy
51' [3 - 1] C.A. Tevez (pen.)
54' [4 - 1] C.A. Tevez
84' [4 - 2] M. Derbyshire
90' [5 - 3] C.A. Tevez B. McCarthy
1-0 Tevez 38'
2-0 Nani 40'
2-1 Mccarthy 48'
3-1 Tevez (Penalty) 51'
4-1 Tevez 54'
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Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Manchester United Vs. Queens Park Rangers Match Report
United’s mixture of youth and experience reached the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup after overcoming a dogged Queens Park Rangers at a bitterly cold Old Trafford.
The Reds were much-changed after the weekend defeat by Arsenal but had enough to see off the Championship side in a scrappy game which only spluttered into life late in the second half.
Carlos Tevez broke the visitors' resistance from the penalty spot with 15 minutes left and United saw out the rest of the game without great alarm to reach the last eight for the first time since lifting the trophy three seasons ago.
As expected, Sir Alex Ferguson opted to rest several of his senior players and hand starts to youngsters Jonny Evans, Darron Gibson and Rodrigo Possebon – the latter for the first time since suffering a leg injury in the last round against Middlesbrough.
And the Brazilian midfielder almost got on the end of Anderson’s sixth-minute corner, only to see the ball nicked from the top of his head.
Tevez started as the only out-and-out striker and was determined to impress, twice testing Radek Cerny from the edge of the box early on and then shaving the near post with a flick-on from John O’Shea’s cross.
Rangers, playing in a 4-5-1 formation, were largely effective in restricting United to long-range strikes in the first period. Anderson stung Cerny’s palms from the edge of the box, while Saturday’s goalscorer Rafael tried his luck again but his left-foot shot sailed over.
That said, the visitors offered nothing going forward, with Tomasz Kuszczak given little to do other than endure the freezing Manchester night air.
United began the second half with greater intent and Nani sent a flashing drive past Cerny’s right-hand post.
Ji-sung Park then went even closer with a rising shot that smacked the post after Rafael had superbly outfoxed two Rangers defenders on the byline.
Tevez was denied again minutes later as Cerny tipped over his powerful drive from an acute angle, before the Rangers keeper parried another drive from Anderson, still seeking his first Reds goal.
Danny Welbeck, whose only previous first-team appearance this season came in the last round of this competition, replaced Possebon with 20 minutes to go and had an immediate impact as he won the decisive penalty.
The pacy young striker ran onto Nani’s pass on the left-hand side of the box, poked the ball past Peter Ramage and was upended by the former Newcastle defender, leaving referee Phil Dowd with little choice but to point to the spot.Tevez stepped up to send Cerny the wrong way and all but end any hopes Rangers had of forcing extra-time.
Gareth Ainsworth’s side were, however, forced to come out of their shell and Dexter Blackstock saw a shot blocked before substitute Samuel Di Carmine was flagged offside as he diverted the ball home.
Nani twice could have sealed it but Cerny was again on hand to deny him, before Emmanuel Ledesma curled QPR’s best chance of the game wide at the death.
No matter, United held on and are in the hat for the next round, just reward for another sound performance from Ferguson’s youngsters.
Manchester United: Kuszczak; Rafael, Evans, Neville (Vidic 90), O'Shea; Gibson, Anderson, Possebon (Welbeck 72); Nani, Park, Tevez.
Subs not used: Foster, Carrick, Manucho, Cleverley, Gray.
Queens Park Rangers: Cerny; Stewart, Connolly, Hall, Ramage Mahon; Parejo (Ledesma 46), Buzsaky (Agyemang 33), Rowlands, Cook (Di Carmine 78); Blackstock.
Subs not used: Delaney, Gorkss, Ephraim, Cole.
Attendance: 62,539.
Read more...
The Reds were much-changed after the weekend defeat by Arsenal but had enough to see off the Championship side in a scrappy game which only spluttered into life late in the second half.
Carlos Tevez broke the visitors' resistance from the penalty spot with 15 minutes left and United saw out the rest of the game without great alarm to reach the last eight for the first time since lifting the trophy three seasons ago.
As expected, Sir Alex Ferguson opted to rest several of his senior players and hand starts to youngsters Jonny Evans, Darron Gibson and Rodrigo Possebon – the latter for the first time since suffering a leg injury in the last round against Middlesbrough.
And the Brazilian midfielder almost got on the end of Anderson’s sixth-minute corner, only to see the ball nicked from the top of his head.
Tevez started as the only out-and-out striker and was determined to impress, twice testing Radek Cerny from the edge of the box early on and then shaving the near post with a flick-on from John O’Shea’s cross.
Rangers, playing in a 4-5-1 formation, were largely effective in restricting United to long-range strikes in the first period. Anderson stung Cerny’s palms from the edge of the box, while Saturday’s goalscorer Rafael tried his luck again but his left-foot shot sailed over.
That said, the visitors offered nothing going forward, with Tomasz Kuszczak given little to do other than endure the freezing Manchester night air.
United began the second half with greater intent and Nani sent a flashing drive past Cerny’s right-hand post.
Ji-sung Park then went even closer with a rising shot that smacked the post after Rafael had superbly outfoxed two Rangers defenders on the byline.
Tevez was denied again minutes later as Cerny tipped over his powerful drive from an acute angle, before the Rangers keeper parried another drive from Anderson, still seeking his first Reds goal.
Danny Welbeck, whose only previous first-team appearance this season came in the last round of this competition, replaced Possebon with 20 minutes to go and had an immediate impact as he won the decisive penalty.
The pacy young striker ran onto Nani’s pass on the left-hand side of the box, poked the ball past Peter Ramage and was upended by the former Newcastle defender, leaving referee Phil Dowd with little choice but to point to the spot.Tevez stepped up to send Cerny the wrong way and all but end any hopes Rangers had of forcing extra-time.
Gareth Ainsworth’s side were, however, forced to come out of their shell and Dexter Blackstock saw a shot blocked before substitute Samuel Di Carmine was flagged offside as he diverted the ball home.
Nani twice could have sealed it but Cerny was again on hand to deny him, before Emmanuel Ledesma curled QPR’s best chance of the game wide at the death.
No matter, United held on and are in the hat for the next round, just reward for another sound performance from Ferguson’s youngsters.
Manchester United: Kuszczak; Rafael, Evans, Neville (Vidic 90), O'Shea; Gibson, Anderson, Possebon (Welbeck 72); Nani, Park, Tevez.
Subs not used: Foster, Carrick, Manucho, Cleverley, Gray.
Queens Park Rangers: Cerny; Stewart, Connolly, Hall, Ramage Mahon; Parejo (Ledesma 46), Buzsaky (Agyemang 33), Rowlands, Cook (Di Carmine 78); Blackstock.
Subs not used: Delaney, Gorkss, Ephraim, Cole.
Attendance: 62,539.
Read more...
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Manchester United Vs. Middlesbrough Highlights Video Clip
Manchester United [3 - 1] Middlesbrough (Carling Cup)
25' [1 - 0] C. Ronaldo
56' [1 - 1] A. Johnson
79' [2 - 1] R. Giggs
90' [3 - 1] Nani
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25' [1 - 0] C. Ronaldo
56' [1 - 1] A. Johnson
79' [2 - 1] R. Giggs
90' [3 - 1] Nani
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