United claim famous Cup win at City as Scholes returns
United do the Poznan!
By Chris,
January 8 2012
United have claimed a spot in the fourth round of the FA Cup after a memorable 3-2 victory over fierce rivals Manchester City on Sunday. In a game which saw Paul Scholes make a shock return to professional football, United led 10-man City by three goals at the break, only to be pegged back by their big-spending neighbours in a thrilling contest at Eastlands.
Sunday’s Manchester derby had almost everything, and its very difficult to pick the stand-out headline.
Firstly, there was the shock return of Paul Scholes. The United midfielder has come out of retirement and was named amongst the substitutes for Sunday’s massive game.
Secondly, there was Wayne Rooney’s brace. The England forward, amid intense speculation about his future, scored two goals and kissed the United badge as the Reds narrowly finished victors at Eastlands.
Thirdly, there was Vincent Kompany’s red-card. The City skipper was dismissed for a two-footed challenge on Nani, though Chris Foy’s decision was very, very harsh and the hosts will feel aggreieved.
Fourthly, there was the City comeback. United led by three goals at the break and were dominating a City side who had lost their influential captain. But the hosts stormed back and came within a whisker of snatching a replay during a tense finale.
And finally, of course, is the bottom line. United won and are through to the fourth round. In a game that had almost everything, 6,000 vociferous travelling Reds watched their team make a statement of intent to City and march into the competition’s last 32. To celebrate, the travelling Reds, mocking their hosts, even did the Poznan!
City controlled much of the opening stages before a fine header from Rooney broke the deadlock on nine minutes. He latched onto Antonio Valencia’s cross to nod home. The England frontman kissed the United badge in delight as he celebrated the opener.
Only two minutes later, and City were down to ten men. Kompany was dismissed for a two-footed challenge on Nani, with even the away end expressing surprise when referee Chris Foy showed the captain a straight red card and handed a massive advantage to United.
The Red Devils thoroughly enjoyed their numerical advantage for the rest of the half and doubled their lead thanks to a fine goal from Danny Welbeck. The striker showed tremendous athleticism to scoop Patrice Evra’s deflected shot beyond the reach of towering goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon after 30 minutes.
City fans continued to fume about Foy’s decision to dismiss Kompany, but they could have no argument with his decision to award United a penalty six minutes before half-time. Aleksandar Kolarov fouled Welbeck and, though Rooney saw his spot-kick saved, he coolly nodded the rebound home to fire United three up before the interval.
Roberto Mancini’s decision to take off David Silva and Adam Johnson at half-time suggested he saw the game as lost, but his side staged a remarkable fightback - Kolarov's free-kick reducing the home side’s arreas before Sergio Aguero pounded on an error by Anders Lindegaard to make it 3-2.
City’s second goal came courtesy of some sloppiness from substitute Scholes who, having not played for nearly eight months, lacked match sharpness. The midfielder had replaced Nani moments before the hour mark.
However, the Reds held on for a memorable victory amid a barrage of late pressure. The result gives United a big psychological lift and has left the fans craving more success in the world famous FA Cup competition.
Both sides left the field to applause – the travelling fans delighted with victory, but City feeling their comeback was a statement in itself.
The day belonged to the red side of Manchester, however, with the two teams also in heated battle for the Europa League and Premier League crown as 2012 moves on.
Full Time – Manchester City 2-3 Manchester United
Attendance – 46,808
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And then he sent Kompany off!!!
