Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic scored a spot-kick in the Red Devils' loss on penalties to Everton this afternoon, but the Mancunians dreams of a 'quintuple' still came crashing down in the FA Cup semi-final.
The game ended goalless after extra-time, with the Toffees claiming victory in the shoot-out. Although it was painful for the Serb to admit, Vidic acknowledged that his side had lost to a worthy opponent.
"We're disappointed because this is a trophy we wanted to win,” he told MUTV.
"We played some good football and created chances, but in the end it came to penalties – and that’s just a lottery. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. In the Champions League final we won.
"But today we didn’t score our penalties. You have to congratulate Everton."
As for netting his own penalty, Vidic minimised its importance, before stressing it was vital for the team to regroup ahead of other testing challenges, adding, "I practice in training and I also took penalties for Red Star Belgrade and Spartak Moscow.
"It’s nothing new, but there's always the possibility you'll miss, especially in games where there is pressure. I scored, but it’s not about me scoring. The team didn’t win. We need to forget this game now.
"We must take it and recover for the next game. It’s going to be hard, but we have Wednesday’s match against Portsmouth and we need to be focused. It helps that some players were rested. They are going to be fresh and I hope we have a good game at Old Trafford."
Alex Ferguson picked a youthful side for the game today, and the centre-back was proud of the performance of his young team-mates, even in defeat.
"We played well, so we don’t need to be disappointed about that. We played offensively and tried to score.
"We had young players in our team, they showed some quality. We know they are capable of doing that. We just didn’t take our chances."
Zack Wilson, Goal.com
Blog Traffics
Monday, April 20, 2009
Vidic Compliments Everton On Their FA Cup Victory Over Manchester United
Player Ratings: Manchester United 0-0 Everton
MANCHESTER UNITED
Foster 6.0 - Looked nervy from the outset and almost got himself in trouble trying to dribble around Saha in the first half. Another shaky moment late on saw him hit Vaughan with a clearance.
Rafael Da Silva 7 - A moment of inexperience saw him bring down Baines and he was booked on the half-hour mark but he did well to deny Pienaar just before the break and looked good on his return to the side.
Ferdinand 7.5 - United look so much more confident at the back with him in the side and he was imperious in defence. Awful penalty though.
Vidic 8 - After a slump in form, he looked back to his best and alongside Ferdinand formed a fearsome partnership.
Fabio Da Silva 6 - Allowed Neville in early on but put in a solid shift before injury saw his afternoon end early.
Welbeck 7 - Wasteful at times but looked lively and was always willing to run forwards. Curled a great shot over the bar late on.
Gibson 6.5 - Struggled to get into the game initially but improved and justified his inclusion in the team.
Anderson 7 - Covered an awful lot of ground, getting back to help his defence as well as prompting things going forwards. Still looks hopeless in front of goal, mind you, and wasted some good set pieces.
Park 6.5 - Full of running, as ever, and had a decent effort just wide on the hour mark but replaced shortly afterwards after producing little.
Tevez 6 - Typical Tevez, effervescent as ever and didn’t give up but it simply wasn’t his day.
Macheda 6.5 - Didn’t look out of place and had a strong early shot that flew just wide. Combined well with Tevez and Welbeck but couldn’t continue his fairytale start to his United career with another goal.
Substitutes
Evra: 6.5 – Replaced an injured Fabio but still looks far from his best.
Scholes: 6.0 – Brought some experience to the midfield.
Berbatov: 5.0 - Came on but had little impact and an awful penalty summed up his afternoon.
EVERTON
Howard 8 - Flapped at a corner late on but that was his only error and made himself a hero with some good penalty saves.
Hibbert 7 - A few shaky moments against Welbeck but provided good width and combined well with Osman
Jagielka 7.5 - Might have conceded a penalty for a challenge on Welbeck but escaped, looked impressive otherwise and kept his nerve to net the decisive spot kick..
Lescott 8 - Brilliant challenge to deny Welbeck mid-way through the first half and a dominant display by the centre-half.
Baines 7.5 - A super display down the left, always looked to get forward, provided some good crosses and banged home a smashing penalty.
Osman 6.0 - Willing to get forwards and try his luck on goal but was too often second to the ball and looked tired.
Neville 7.0 - Grew into the game and was a commanding presence who led his team by example.
Fellaini 6.5 - Found it hard going against Vidic and Ferdinand but still always looked a threat in the air.
Pienaar 6.0 - Some tricky moments but little end-product.
Cahill 6.0 - Manchester United kept him very quiet in truth and aside from a great shot just after the break he offered little.
Saha 6.0 - Almost profited from Foster's hesitancy early on and a good header set up Pienaar shortly afterwards but had few sights of goal.
Substitutes
Rodwell: 6.0 – Some nice moments on the ball and valuable experience gained.
Vaughan: 6.5 - Came on late and could have won it but a scuffed shot was deflected wide. Crucially scored his penalty.
Gill Clark, Goal.com
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Everton's Pienaar Unfazed By Manchester United Clash
Bafana Bafana midfielder Steven Pienaar says Everton’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United on Sunday will be the biggest game of his career.
“It will definitely be on top. I’ve played in a lot of important games and I think this one will also go down in the history books and I’m looking forward to it,” Pienaar told EvertonTV.
Having played in some of Germany’s grandest fixtures, Pienaar insists he will not be daunted by Wembley’s 90,000 capacity crowd.
Indeed, in his Dortmund days it was normal for him to perform in front of numbers not dissimilar to those which will await him on Sunday.
“When I was at Borussia Dortmund we used to play every weekend in front of 83,000, so it’s quite close. At Ajax (Amsterdam) when we played AC Milan in the Champions League I played at the San Siro which was also a big stadium.
“For me, this is like a normal game, it’s just that it’s a semi-final. Like when you play at home with all the supporters behind you, you have to enjoy the moment.”
Monday, March 23, 2009
Neville Southall Backs Everton To Beat Manchester United In FA Cup Semi-Final
The Toffees legend believes being tagged underdogs will help his former club progress to the final...
Legendary Everton goalkeeper Neville Southall is confident his former club can overcome Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final and go all the way to this year's final.
The former Wales international, who made 578 appearances for the Toffees between 1981-1998, feels that labelling the Red Devils as favourites to win the tie could work in the Merseyside outfit's favour.
"I wouldn't be worried about playing United because nobody outside of Everton expects them to lose," Southall is quoted as saying in The Sun.
"That means there's no pressure on the boys and there's everything going for them.
"They'll be relaxed but will want to do the job. I'm sure Phil Neville will be sat there thinking it would be fantastic to put United out.
"Everton are a hard team to beat and in a one-off game we shouldn't be scared of anybody. There's nothing to fear as they've got enough to get a result against United."
The 50-year-old has also been hugely impressed with how well David Moyes' side have performed this campaign given the size of their squad and the number of injuries sustained.
"I think they've done fantastically so far this season," he explained. "It's a small squad but they have a really good work ethic and an amazing team spirit.
"Sometimes you can have too many players and struggle to keep everybody happy, so I think the size has worked in Everton's favour.
"They have to get a striker in during the summer and probably a couple of wide men. But having a small squad has worked quite well for them because it's kept everybody together.
"Moyes has been able to pick pretty much the same team every week, apart from when it comes to the strikers, so that's been a bonus.
"And he's got the likes of Phil Jagielka, Joleon Lescott and Neville who can fill a variety of positions. That's helped enormously and Moyes has bought well considering he hasn't got a huge amount to spend.
"I hope we end the season strongly by winning the FA Cup and finishing in the top four. What Moyes has done is remarkable and if he gets us there it will be beyond anyone's expectations.
"Whatever happens, it's been a really good season but Europe is the one we've got to crack."
Monday, March 9, 2009
FA Cup Draw Pairs Manchester United With Everton In Semi-Finals
The teams from the North West have been paired up for a Wembley date, whilst some local London pride could be at stake in the other tie, unless some men from Hull intervene...
Everton's reward for defeating Middlesbrough 2-1 at Goodison Park today in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup is a trip to Wembley to face Lancashire rivals Manchester United next month.
The Toffees defeated Boro today thanks to goals from Marouane Felliani and Louis Saha, who cancelled out David Wheater's opener for the visitors. United, of course, eased past Fulham at Craven Cottage yesterday 4-0.
Meanwhile, a potential London derby awaits in the other half of the draw, unless Hull City's gritty Yorkshiremen can spoil the party by beating Arsenal in the quarter-finals.
The Gunners overcame plucky Burnley today 3-0 at the Emirates, with goals from Carlos Vela, Eduardo Da Silva and Emmanuel Eboue doing the job, meaning that they will play Hull for a semi-final place against Chelsea.
The Blues eased past another game Championship outfit yesterday by beating Coventry City 2-0 at the Ricoh Arena, and the prospect of a London derby will doubtless fire their supporters up for the trip to Wembley.
Draw in full:
Arsenal/Hull City v Chelsea
Manchester United v Everton
Ties to take place at Wembley Stadium on the weekend of April 18/19
Monday, March 2, 2009
Cristiano Ronaldo: Manchester United Can Win All Five
The iconic Portuguese forward is typically confident as talk inevitably turns to a 'clean sweep' of trophies after United's triumph at Wembley today.
Cristiano Ronaldo believes that Manchester United are well capable of capturing all five trophies on their hit-list this season, after a triumphant visit to Wembley on Sunday afternoon ended with them adding the League Cup to the World Club Cup that they collected in Japan prior to Christmas.
The Red Devils won the title by beating Tottenham Hotspur on penalties after an energy-sapping 120 minutes of goalless yet gripping action, with goalkeeper Ben Foster, normally the understudy to the awesome Dutchman Edwin van der Sar, stepping up to make crucial saves to keep the game goalless, as well as keeping out Spurs midfielder Jamie O'Hara's spot-kick in the shoot-out.
And United's Portuguese superstar is confident that he and his team-mates have what it takes to collect a 'clean sweep' of silverware this campaign.
"It is quite difficult to achieve but we are going from game to game," he told English tabloid The Sun, after the game.
"We always have the opportunity to win everything. We’ve won this cup and now we don’t have much time to celebrate."
United are seven points clear in the Premier League, face Fulham in the quarter-final of the FA Cup, and their Champions League tie with Inter of Italy is deadlocked at 0-0 after the first leg in Milan last week.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Big Clubs 'Ignorant' To Overlook David Moyes & Martin O'Neill - Everton's Phil Neville
Yesterday's FA Cup tie at Goodison Park saw two of Britain's brightest managers pitted against each other as David Moyes' Everton claimed a 3-1 win over Martin O'Neill's Aston Villa.
Both bosses have lifted their respective clubs from relegation candidates to European contenders, and Phil Neville reckons they deserve to be considered for the biggest jobs in the game.
“David Moyes and Martin O’Neill suffer because there’s a lot of ignorance in English football. It’s ignorant that when the big jobs come along, they don’t get mentioned,” he told the News of the World.
“At any club you’re looking for success, continuity and a manager who’s done it over a number of years. They both come into that category. It’s an insult that so many clubs continue to look abroad. It must frustrate a lot of home managers.
“It’s silly. I can’t understand why people can’t see how much better managers such as Moyes and O’Neill would be if they’d had the millions to spend.”
Neville pointed to the recent events at Stamford Bridge to demonstrate why it is not always beneficial to bring in big names from overseas.
He said, “Chairmen think the grass is always greener abroad. You’ve seen that with Luiz Felipe Scolari at Chelsea. He’s a fantastic manager at international level but the Premier League is a different kettle of fish.
“Why go to South America and pick someone who’s done well for a national side but not got a clue what the Premier League is like? Going to Everton on a Wednesday night? They’ve no experience of that. At least our managers have experience of that.”
The former Manchester United man even went on to suggest that O'Neill, whose Villa outfit are poised to snare a Champions League place, would be a worthy successor to Sir Alex Ferguson.
Neville said, “It is no coincidence wherever O’Neill has been, he’s had success. United could do a lot worse than look at O’Neill when they need a manager. They’d know what they were getting. Why not?
“O’Neill knows how to win a trophy and knows how to get the best out of a team. He’s been in the Champions League as well.
“I’m absolutely flabbergasted these managers don’t get linked with those [big] clubs more often.”
Resource: Goal.com
Monday, February 16, 2009
FA Cup Could Pit Man United Vs Fulham & Arsenal Vs Burnley
The sixth round draw of the FA Cup threw up a few intriguing ties, though with so many fifth round ties having gone to replay, a lot is yet to be decided...
The FA Cup sixth round draw was made this afternoon and with only three teams qualifying this weekend for the next round of the FA Cup, much of it remains up in the air.
Arsenal or Cardiff City have been handed a home tie against Burnley. Both the Gunners and the Bluebirds are technically still a round behind everyone else as they still have their fourth round replay to settle.
Arsenal will know all about Burnley as the Clarets were the side who dumped the Gunners out of the League Cup earlier in the season with a superb performance against Arsene Wenger's young guns at Turf Moor.
The winners of that game will face either Sheffield United or Hull City, who drew 1-1 at Bramall Lane yesterday.
Swansea City and Fulham have a mouthwatering home tie against Manchester United to play for, and both sides will be doing everything they can in order to meet the eleven time winners of the competition.
United are going for the quadruple this season, having reached the League Cup final and going well in both the Champions League and Premier League so by the time Swansea or Fulham come to play them, their squad could be heavily fatigued, giving either side the opportunity to cause an upset.
Everton, who overcame the challenge of Aston Villa at Goodison Park this afternoon, will face either Middlesbrough or West Ham United, who will play their fifth round replay in the coming weeks.
Finally Chelsea, who came through the fifth round with a Nicolas Anelka hattrick after a scare from Watford, will play Blackburn Rovers or Coventry City, who drew 2-2 at Ewood Park yesterday afternoon.
The FA Cup Sixth Round Draw in full is as follows:
Blackburn Rovers or Coventry City v Chelsea
Swansea City or Fulham v Man United
Cardiff City or Arsenal or Burnley v Sheffield United or Hull City
Everton v West Ham United or Middlesbrough
The sixth round ties are due to be played on Saturday March 7.
Sir Alex Ferguson Reacts To Manchester United's FA Cup Quarter-Final Draw
Fergie has given his thoughts on his side's win over Derby and their potential last eight opponents.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted a trip to face either Fulham or Swansea City in the FA Cup Quarter-Finals will be a difficult tie.
The Red Devils defeated Derby County 4-1 at Pride Park this afternoon with Nani, Darron Gibson, Cristiano Ronaldo and Danny Welbeck scoring to send them through to the last eight.
And now a trip to either Craven Cottage or the Liberty Stadium in Wales awaits Fergie’s men in the last eight, and the Scot understands it will not be easy.
“Well, you always say ideally in the Cup that you will take a home tie, so it’s not ideal” Ferguson said to ITV Sport after the draw was made.
”I watched Swansea on Saturday against Fulham and they played very very well – an extremely impressive performance.
“I don’t think that tie is finished, but either way, whoever we get, we are just one step away from the semi-finals so it is a big incentive to our players.
“Hopefully the form stays the way it is at the moment, which has been very good.”
Ferguson then moved to praise his club’s squad depth, which he feels has helped to carry them through what has been a difficult run of fixtures.
“We’ve been saying for a number of weeks now that when we’ve had injuries it has been our squad depth that has carried us through and getting us past all those difficult games – something that was proved again today.
“With the game on Wednesday [against Fulham in the Premier League] in mind I made a few changes and they all did very well.”
The United manager concluded by giving his verdict on Ronaldo’s controversially disallowed ‘goal’, where the Portuguese winger scored and was in the process of celebrating as a late offside flag appeared, with the score at only 1-0.
“I got an explanation, whether that works or not I’m not so sure,” he laughed.
Resource: Goal.com
Player Ratings: Derby County 1-4 Manchester United
Manchester United booked themselves a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a 4-1 win over Derby County. Goal.com rates the performers...
DERBY COUNTY
Bywater: 7.5 – Conceded four goals but it could have been more but forhis endeavour. Good stops from Fletcher and Nani in the first half and another smart double-save from Ronaldo and Fletcher after the break.
Connolly: 5.0 – Nani caused him problems down the left and he struggled against the winger’s pace and trickery.
Addison: 7.0 – Made a mistake that allowed Ronaldo in to head the third, but otherwise a strong display and redeemed himself with a great header at the other end.
Albrechtsen: 6.0 – Found United’s movement a problem, particularly the movement of Giggs, Gibson and Fletcher.
Stewart: 6.0 - Had some good moments and came forwards at times, but found Park a handful down the United right, particularly in the first half.
Barazite: 6.5 – He looked good in possession and made some telling runs forward, but too often failed to provide any end-product.
Green: 6.0 – Struggled to keep track of United’s midfield at times and found their quick passing a particular problem but hard-working nonetheless.
Savage: 6.5 - Ruffled Ronaldo’s feathers early on but couldn’t unsettle the United midfield, otherwise he was a tenacious presence in the middle of the park.
Teale: 7.5 – Was a real threat down the left, particularly in the second half when Derby came forwards and forced Foster into a first-class save last on with a great strike.
Commons: 7.0 - The hero last time at Pride Park and was bright and lively. Set up Addison for the goal and pumped plenty of decent delivery into the box.
Hulse: 6.5 – A physical presence in attack. He had a decent effort on the turn which he fired just over.
Substitutes
Sterjovski: 6.5 – Came on and helped Derby enjoy a good spell in the second half before the fourth goal killed them off.
Porter: 6.0 – Replaced Hulse but couldn’t make much of an impact.
Pearson: n/a
MANCHESTER UNITED
Foster: 7.0 – Couldn’t prevent Addison’s goal and a few dodgy kicked clearances but a brilliant save to deny Teale late on.
Rafael Da Silva: 6.0 - Derby were a threat down the United right, particularly in the second half, and he found Teale a tough opponent.
Ferdinand: 7.0 – Missed England’s midweek international but back in action and did little wrong in what was a comfortable outing.
Evans: 6.5 – In for Vidic who was rested, and a few shaky moments but played the part.
Evra: 6.5 - Back in the team after injury and cruised through 55 minutes before being given a rest.
Park: 6.5 - Busy as always and had a good effort from a narrow angle which forced Bywater into an excellent save. Replaced early after his midweek international exploits.
Fletcher: 7.5 - Combined really well with Gibson and Giggs, great passing and teed up Welbeck for the fourth goal.
Gibson: 8.0 - Looked good in his favoured central midfield position and a lovely finish made it 2-0 from the edge of the box.
Nani: 7.0 - Teased Connolly down the left and scored with a super right-footed finish after cutting inside.
Giggs: 8.5 - Another composed display. Intelligent, quick passing and set up Ronaldo with a precise corner. Also provided a smashing flick to tee Ronaldo up for a goal which was eventually disallowed
Ronaldo: 7.0 – Scored the third with a thumping header and had another effort disallowed for offside before given a rest in the second half by Ferguson.
Substitutes
Welbeck: 7.5 - Might have got closer to Addison for the goal but he had only just arrived on the pitch. Made amends with a sumptuous finish to end the game as a contest.
O’Shea: 6.0 - Slotted in at left-back and put in a solid display.
Possebon: 6.0 – Handed some vital experience in the second half.
Resource: Goal.com
Manchester United Ease Past Derby County To Progress In FA Cup
Manchester United eased past Derby County to record a comfortable victory at Pride Park in the FA Cup Fifth Round.
Derby County 1-4 Manchester United
Manchester United eased past Derby County to record a comfortable victory at Pride Park in the FA Cup Fifth Round.
United had the better of the early stages and were able to take the lead when Nani scored from long-range on the half hour mark. Controversy arrived shortly afterwards, when a late offside flag disallowed a Cristiano Ronaldo ‘goal’, but the Red Devils soon netted a legitimate second – Darron Gibson scoring on the volley just before half-time.
Ronaldo was not to be denied, though, and he scored United’s third with a well-placed header within three minutes of the re-start. Derby did score a consolation, Miles Addison heading home, but substitute Danny Welbeck wrapped up the tie with an impressive finish towards the end.
As a result, United move into the Quarter-finals, and are still competing for all four trophies.
Team News
Derby County made one change from their last Championship fixture, a 3-0 win away to Plymouth. Jay McEveley was suspended; meaning Jordan Stewart came into the team.
Manchester United name a starting XI without a recognised striker, Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo being asked to lead the line. Darron Gibson, Rafael da Silva, Ben Foster and Nani were amongst the players who came into the side, while Jonny Evans returned from injury to partner Rio Ferdinand in central defence.
First Half
It was United who created the first clear opportunities of the match. In the 11th minute, Darren Fletcher combined with Ronaldo, before the Scotland midfielder shot straight at Derby keeper Stephen Bywater, who has recently signed a new three-year contract at Pride Park.
Four minutes later, Nani found space on the left and floated a cross towards the back post, where Park Ji-Sung was waiting. The winger stretched and made good contact, but Bywater was well placed to tip his effort over the crossbar.
Rob Hulse offered Derby some brief respite, shooting well on the turn after a long-ball was flicked on – his effort falling just off target. The former Sheffield United striker then had a claim for a penalty turned down by referee Alan Wiley after Ferdinand left a leg out in the corner of the box, although it did not look as if contact had been made.
In the 29th minute, the Red Devils broke the Rams’ resistance. In a patient passing move, Gibson, Fletcher and Giggs worked the way across the edge of the penalty box - eventually finding Nani on the left. The Portugal winger then skipped inside, and, under no pressure from the Derby defence, took aim and curled a shot from 20 yards past Bywater and into the far corner.
Controversy raged five minutes later when United thought they had scored a second. Quick thinking from Foster resulted in his arrowed throw finding Giggs on the halfway line. The Welshman flicked the ball onto Ronaldo, who burst past the Derby defence - route one football at its finest.
Ronaldo looked across to find the linesman’s flag down, and calmly slotted his shot past the keeper and into the corner. But, amazingly, deep into the Red Devils’ celebrations, an offside flag did appear.
For the following minutes, United’s players and management berated the officials, bemused as to why the ‘goal’ had been disallowed at such a late stage. The offside decision was marginal, fourth official Rob Styles eventually explaining the delay was due to the linesman not being sure over whether or not Giggs had indeed made contact with the ball.
However, United were able to take out their frustrations in the right manner and managed to net a legitimate second just before the break. Ronaldo attempted an audacious free-kick from 35-yards, which deflected off Robbie Savage in the wall and arrived at Gibson at the edge of the box. The Irishman then struck a first-time shot on the volley, his effort finding its way past Bywater into the corner.
Second Half
Within three minutes of the second half, United had sealed their place in the last eight. After Stewart conceded a corner, Giggs’ delivery found Ronaldo, who was not to be denied his goal, losing his marker and placing his header between keeper and the defender on the post from 10 yards.
Moments later, it was almost four. Giggs and Ronaldo again combined well, and after Bywater saved Ronaldo’s effort, the re-bound fell to Fletcher in space 12 yards out, but he could not beat the former West Ham United shot stopper, who made a second save in quick succession.
Derby were able to respond, scoring a consolation goal in the 56th minute. Savage took a quick free-kick, finding Scotland winger Kris Commons, who flighted in an accurate cross from which youngster Miles Addison, running into the box late and undetected, headed past Foster at pace.
County continued to work hard, and Gary Teale came so close to scoring when he ran at pace down the left, cut inside and shot towards the far corner, only denied by a super save at full-stretch by Foster. Addison then headed wide from a corner after losing Evans.
But it was United who scored the game’s fifth goal. Fletcher and Giggs exchanged neat passes at the edge of the area, before Fletcher slipped a pass through to substitute Danny Welbeck. The 18-year-old took the shot on first time from the left-hand side of the box and impressively curled the ball into the far corner to make it 4-1.
Resource: Goal.com
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Derby deja vu
United will play at Pride Park again, this time in the FA Cup fifth round, after Derby County won the right to host the Reds on Sunday 15 February (KO 16:30 GMT).
The Rams came from 0-2 down after 14 minutes to triumph 3-2 at the home of East Midlands foes Nottingham Forest - with the winner coming from Kris Commons, scorer of a stunning goal against United at Pride Park in last month's Carling Cup semi-final first leg. Rob Hulse and Paul Green were also on target for Nigel Clough's team.
Wednesday's other FA Cup replays resulted in wins for Aston Villa (3-1 at home to Doncaster Rovers) and Blackburn Rovers (2-1 at home to Sunderland) but a sickening defeat for Liverpool, who lost 1-0 to rivals Everton after 30 minutes of energy-sapping extra-time at Goodison Park.
The deadlocked Merseyside derby was just two minutes away from going to a penalty shoot-out when Toffees youngster Dan Gosling popped up on the left-hand side of the box and curled a brilliant shot past Pepe Reina.
As if playing for two hours wasn't bad enough for Liverpool as they prepare for a difficult league game at Portsmouth, they could also be without inspirational skipper Steven Gerrard and striker Fernando Torres on Saturday. The midfielder was substituted after just 16 minutes with an injury, while Torres took a knock during the second half of extra-time. Liverpool also had Lucas Leiva sent off for two bookable offences, the second in the 76th minute.
While Liverpool are left with just two more trophies to play for, United fans can look to a possible good omen.
The Reds went on to lift the trophy after last facing Derby County in the FA Cup. Norman Whiteside scored the only goal at the old Baseball Ground in the fifth round of 1983.
Resource: manutd.com
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Debutants earn praise
United’s three debutants against Tottenham Hotspur – Fabio, Richard Eckersley and Zoran Tosic – have drawn praise for their impressive Old Trafford bows.
Injuries may be testing the full depth of Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad, but the situation is also offering chances to young players, with United fans introduced to more new faces in the 2-1 FA Cup fourth victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
“They did really well,” Paul Scholes told MUTV. “Fabio did really well and it’s unfortunate that he picked up an injury. But then Eckersley came on and did really well. He’s been out for three months with a knee injury, so to come straight into a first-team game is really good, and Zoran came on towards the end, dug in and defended for us really well.”
Fabio, whose twin brother Rafael has already made 18 appearances in the first-team, really caught the eye with a confident performance at left-back before eventually being forced off with a calf strain. "The da Silva brothers have got great temperament to play,” said Sir Alex. “They’ve got a winning mentality. Like Rafael, Fabio loves playing and loves training, the enthusiasm is always there."
Reds goalkeeper Ben Foster was in the perfect position to judge Fabio’s first outing for the Reds. “Confidence is something that those twins definitely aren’t lacking!” he said. “Since they arrived they have been absolutely fantastic. Fabio has been a bit unlucky with injuries, but he’s definitely one for the future.”
Resource: manutd.com
Ben Foster Hails Dimitar Berbatov After FA Cup Win
Ben Foster was in no doubt as to who Manchester United owed their victory over Tottenham Hotspur to.
Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster praised the performance of striker Dimitar Berbatov after the Bulgarian hit the winner against his former side Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup.
Spurs took the lead early in the match through Roman Pavyluchenko. However, United hit back through Paul Scholes and Berbatov to seal the win.
The champions’ equaliser did, however, take a heavy deflection off Tom Huddlestone, and Foster admitted that the intervention had proved crucial.
Speaking to the BBC he explained: “I think Carlos has lifted his leg up and let it run under him and I think it just caught Huddlestone or someone like that by total surprise, just clipped him on his leg and gone in the bottom corner.”
Berbatov then added a second minutes after Scholes’ equaliser and Foster said it had been a great finish by the striker. The United shot-stopper said: “[It was a] fantastic pass from Carrick, and Berba in those sorts of areas is pretty lethal. I mean I get to see him do that in training day in and day out. He was fantastic today.”
After three goals in the opening half, the performance by both sides after the break failed to reach the heights of the first half, which Foster blamed on the pitch: “I think the pitch was quite heavy and a bit bobby, it didn’t lead to much good football.”
However, the champions held on for a win that takes them into the fifth round of the FA Cup and their goalkeeper felt that an unprecedented quadruple was within his side’s sights. He said: “We are Man United, I think that’s got to be our aim at the start of every season. We’ve already won the Club World Cup as well, we’ve got to believe we can go on and win everything we play in.”
After featuring in the Carling Cup in midweek, today’s game was Foster’s second consecutive match for the champions and he admitted it was pleasing to get a run in the side.
“It’s probably been a couple of years now since I’ve had two games on the run,” he said before concluding, “It’s been a long time since I’ve played consecutive games and long may it continue - but I doubt it will!”
Resource: Goal.com
Player Ratings: Manchester Utd 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester United came from behind to dump Tottenham Hotspur out of the FA Cup. Goal.com rates the performers …
MANCHESTER UNITED
Foster: 6.5 - Could only stand and watch as Pavyluchenko’s header flew past him but other than that, had very little to do.
O’Shea: 6.5 – Aside from letting in Bale at the start of the second half, did very little wrong and looked composed throughout.
Neville: 7.0 – A couple of poor clearances invited Spurs to shoot but otherwise the skipper did well in an unfamiliar position.
Vidic: 6.5 - Got to Pavlyuchenko but couldn’t prevent the Russian scoring, however he stood firm aside from that and Spurs got little change out of the Serbian.
Fabio Da Silva: 7.0 – A decent first start, made some thrilling runs forward and not afraid of attacking Bentley.
Welbeck: 7.0 -Very lively out on the right, looked particularly good with the ball at his feet and made several dangerous runs forward.
Ronaldo: 6.0 – A quiet game in truth. He was well-marshalled by the Spurs defence and aside from a couple of shots which Alnwick saved comfortably, offered little.
Carrick: 7.0 – Looked good, his corner set up the first and a superb ball found Berbatov for the second.
Scholes: 7.0 - Sloppy in the early stages but improved and hit the equaliser with a low shot, although it needed a deflection to beat Alnwick.
Berbatov: 7.5 - Took up some great positions and his movement off the ball troubled Spurs. Great touch and shot for the second goal.
Tevez: 8.5 - Hustled from the front and his work rate was something else. Combined well with Berbatov and Welbeck and unlucky to hit the woodwork with a curling shot.
Substitutes
Eckersley: 6.0 - An injury to Fabio handed him a debut and he did OK.
Tosic: 6.5 – Given a brief cameo and showed a few encouraging signs.
Fletcher: n/a
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Alnwick: 7.0 – Much better from the young stopper. No chance with either goal, but a great stop from Tevez in the first half and Ronaldo in the second.
Gunter: 6.5 - Defensively decent, particularly a great block on Welbeck to deny a goalscoring chance but not interested in bringing the ball forward.
Corluka: 7.0 - Read the game very well and made some good interceptions.
Dawson: 7.0 – Alongside Corluka, he ensured Spurs were difficult to break down; another solid performance.
Assou-Ekotto: 7.5 – Defensively he did well against Welbeck and also looked Spurs’ best outlet with some good runs and balls in from the left wing.
Bentley: 6.5 - Better from Bentley, who worked hard and looked to have taken recent criticism on board. Offered some good delivery and wasn’t afraid to shoot at goal.
Huddlestone: 6.5 - Great ball in for the opener and helped out his defence well but far too ponderous in possession and unwilling to support his forwards.
Zokora: 6.0 – A solid shift in midfield, but Spurs needed more from their midfield which simply wasn’t forthcoming.
Bale: 6.0 - Played high up on the left against O’Shea. Early effort in the second half but fired wide and continues to look low on confidence.
Modric: 5.0 – An ineffective first half from the Croatian and it was little surprise to see him replaced at half-time.
Pavlyuchenko: 7.0 – A simply superb header handed the visitors the lead but seriously lacked service.
Substitutes
Giovani: 6.0 – A slight improvement on Modric but missed a decent opportunity with five minutes to go.
Taarabt: 6.0 - Came on to add attacking impetus but failed to get into the match.
Defoe: 6.0 - Given 20 minutes but barely saw the ball.
Resource: Goal.com
Scholes And Berbatov Put Manchester United Through At Expense Of Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester United progress to the fifth round of the competition and end Harry Redknapp’s hopes of a historic FA Cup double. Tottenham took the lead through a quality Roman Pavlyuchenko header before Paul Scholes and Dimitar Berbatov scored two quick fire goals to put the tie beyond the Lilywhites. Manchester United 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur
The game at Old Trafford saw the two most successful sides in the history of the competition come head to head. Alex Ferguson’s injury hit side came from behind to triumph over Harry Redknapp’s patchwork Tottenham team. The result see’s Manchester United progress into the fifth round draw and ends Redknapp’s hopes of becoming the first manager to ever eliminate United with four different clubs, at least for this season.
Despite a tentative start from both sides it was Tottenham that opened the scoring in the fourth minute with a well worked goal. A slack clearance saw the ball fall to Tom Huddlestone on the right flank, he drove to the edge of the box and floated a teasing ball into the middle. Lone striker Roman Pavlyuchenko ran intelligently across an unusually flat-footed Nemanja Vidic and his glancing header into the far corner left goalkeeper Ben Foster routed to the spot. It was a classy finish from the Russian who has scored five times in his last six appearances for the Lilywhites.
Tottenham then understandably retreated into their own half, hoping to defend their lead. Though Manchester United dominated possession Spurs were resolute in their defending, working hard to close down their opponents. The Red Devils’ did create chances but were largely restricted to snapshots, Carlos Tevez coming closest with a 20 yard shot stinging the crossbar. In truth deputy keeper Ben Alnwick had it covered.
United grew into the game with youngster Danny Welbeck impressing from his position wide on the right. The starlet cut in from the flank and exchanged passes with Berbatov before being denied by a superb block from Chris Gunter. It was backs to the wall for Spurs and Argentinean forward Tevez had a superb strike well saved from 12 yards by the former Sunderland goalkeeper in the 21st minute.
It was looking increasingly like it was a matter of when rather than if United would score and the Red Devils’ subjected their guests to a two minute nightmare at the Theatre of Dreams.
Paul Scholes got the equaliser following a marauding break from Tevez. The ball went out for a corner and the ginger-haired genius was teed up for a classic drive from 25 yards. His grass cutter caught the heel of Tom Huddlestone on the way to the back of the net, it was a piece of fortune that United probably deserved for their attacking endeavour.
Less than 90 seconds later the game was effectively over as a contest. If the opening goal was fortuitous then the second was sublime. Former Tottenham favourites Michael Carrick and Bulgarian Berbatov combined brilliantly with the England international spotting a cute run from Berbatov early and stroking the ball into his path from the half way line. The £30million man killed the ball in an instance and rifled the ball into the far left corner from 20 yards before the nearest defender could even get close.
Tottenham did have opportunities to get back into the game, before the half was up David Bentley skipped past Scholes and saw his long-range effort fly agonisingly close, not quite dipping enough to beat the crossbar.
The second half was a controlled performance from the Premier League and European Champions and they restricted Harry Redknapp’s side to very few opportunities. Early in the half a teasing Bentley cross saw Gareth Bale beat his marker and his shot flashed wide from close range. On the 56th minute Benoit Assou-Ekotto found himself in space beyond the fullback, he was picked out by an increasingly influential Huddlestone and the left back’s cross found Bentley on the right-hand side of the 18 yard box. The wide man’s first time shot flashed just past Ben Foster’s left-hand post with the young English goalkeeper struggling to scramble across to cover.
Just after the hour mark Spurs broke again and had a man over but failed to make the opportunity. Substitute Giovani Dos Santos picked out Bentley who could only fire straight at the keeper. United stepped up their control from this point and largely controlled proceedings, with a few half-opportunities at either end.
Tottenham, however, piled on the pressure towards the end of the game. Assou-Ekotto leaving substitute right back Richard Eckersley for dead, driving to the by-line and cutting back for former Barcelona starlet Dos Santos. The prodigy could only send his first time effort high over the bar and will be disappointed not to have done better.
In the final minutes the Lilywhites pressed hard, but were unable to break down a resolute United defence. Manchester United progress to the next round and Tottenham are left to focus on their Premier League survival and a showpiece Carling Cup final which pitches them against tonight’s opponents.
Resource: Goal.com
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Ryan Giggs Eyes Wembley And A Fifth FA Cup
Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs has admitted that is keen to return to Wembley in the FA Cup as he seeks his fifth Cup winners’ medal.
The reigning champions take on Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round of the competition today, with a lengthy injury list meaning Giggs should feature.
Yet the Welshman is clearly relishing the tie and admitted that as he gets older, his motivation to win trophies simply increases.
“As you come to the end of your career, the motivation gets stronger - because this could be the last one,” he said according to sportinglife.com. “You are more focused and more determined than ever, and I really want to get back to Wembley.”
The Red Devils are likely to welcome a weakened Spurs side, who are also struggling with injuries, yet Giggs confessed he was not worried about Harry Redknapp’s team. He said: “There is no point thinking about what Tottenham are doing.
“You have to approach every game with the right attitude and concentration; otherwise you will get beaten.
“Tottenham are a great club with good traditions in the FA Cup. We cannot take them lightly.”
Today’s clash between the two sides is a warm up for next month’s Carling Cup final, which both clubs qualified for in midweek.
With United currently sitting top of the Premier League, and still involved in the Champions League, FA Cup and Carling Cup, talk has inevitably led to the club achieving an unprecedented quadruple.
However, Giggs revealed that such talk failed to distract the players, who simply wanted to get out on the pitch and play.
“People talk about winning four trophies, but players just get on with it,” he said before adding: “We have put the Carling Cup to bed, next is the FA Cup.
“We just have to perform, whatever competition we are playing in.”
Resource: Goal.com
Man Utd v Tottenham
FA Cup fourth round
Venue: Old Trafford Date: Saturday, 24 January Kick-off: 1715 GMT
Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live, coverage on BBC local radio, score updates and text commentary on BBC Sport website
Manchester United will be without a host of first-team players, with Anderson, Nani and Jonny Evans injured as well as Park Ji-sung (hamstring).
Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs are slight doubts and Darren Fletcher will probably start at right-back.
Tottenham have Heurelho Gomes, Vedran Corluka, Ledley King, Jermaine Jenas, Jamie O'Hara, Aaron Lennon and Darren Bent all injured for the game.
Michael Dawson, Jonathan Woodgate and Luka Modric are also all doubtful.
BIG-MATCH FACTS
Manchester United against Tottenham is a dress rehearsal for the Carling Cup final.
These clubs have won the FA Cup 19 times between them, and meet at Old Trafford in one of three all Premier League ties in the fourth round.
Both clubs are chasing unique quadruples. United are vying for honours in the Champions League, Premier League, FA and Carling Cups.
Harry Redknapp previously knocked out United when manager of Bournemouth (third round, 1984), West Ham (fourth round, 2001) and Portsmouth (quarter-finals, last season) and is chasing a unique four-timer as boss of Tottenham.
The League ladder
Spurs are 15 places lower than Manchester United in the Premier League table.
Referee
Peter Walton (Northamptonshire)
Replay date
Wednesday, 4 February 2009 - Kick Off: 2000
MANCHESTER UNITED
Current form
Won all but one of the last 10; lost one of 19, winning 14 of them.
Recent FA Cup performance
Not been knocked out in the fourth round since 2002, since when the Red Devils have lost in the fifth round twice, the quarter-finals once, been losing-finalists twice and winners once.
The Manager
United have won the cup a record five times under Sir Alex Ferguson, who has led out the side for the final on eight occasions.
FA Cup fact
This is the 12th time in 13 FA Cup rounds that United have been drawn against fellow Premier League opposition.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Current form
Lost the last four away.
Won only two of 10; both of those victories were in domestic cup competitions.
Recent FA Cup performance
Quarter-finalists in two of the last four years; 2005 and 2007.
The Manager
Harry Redknapp won the Cup with Portsmouth last season. He never reached Wembley as a player, and it was the first time he had guided a club to the final as a manager. Now he will be taking a team there for the second season running, this time for the League Cup final.
During Sir Alex's 22-year tenure at Old Trafford, Spurs have undertaken 19 managerial changes (either permanent or caretaker).
FA Cup fact
Tottenham are the only non-league club to win the FA Cup. They lifted the trophy as a Southern League side 108 years ago, and in so doing also became the first non-leaguers to knock out the holders, defeating Bury 2-1 in the second round on 23 February 1901.
HEAD to HEAD
All competitions
Manchester United are unbeaten in 16 matches against Tottenham in all competitions; won 12 and drawn four since Tottenham's 3-1 home win in the Premier League on 19 May 2001.
FA Cup
This is the 10th time these clubs have been paired together in the FA Cup; Spurs lead by five wins to four, but United won the most recent in this same round last season.
Resource: BBC SPORT
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
New boss for cup opponents
The home players at Pride Park will no doubt be trying to impress Nigel Clough, confirmed today as the permanent successor to Paul Jewell, who left Derby on 28 December.
The Rams have been guided for two games in the meantime by caretaker boss Chris Hutchings, resulting in a narrow 0-1 home defeat in the Championship by Ipswich Town and a thrilling 4-3 FA Cup win at non-league Forest Green.
Clough, 42, has already pitted his wits against Sir Alex Ferguson, despite spending all of his ten years in management so far in non-league football with Burton Albion.
Albion were handed a dream FA Cup tie against United in January 2006 - the Reds won the replay 5-0 at Old Trafford after being held to a shock 0-0 draw in the first game at Burton.
Clough's most infamous game as a player against United would arguably be the 3-3 draw with Liverpool at Anfield in January 1994. He scored two as the home side clawed their way back from trailing 0-3 to Sir Alex's league champions. The new Derby County boss also played for Manchester City and Nottingham Forest.
Nigel's late father Brian was, of course, a successful manager with Derby and Forest, winning league titles with both, not to mention two European Cups with the latter.
Resource: manutd.com