Baggies to Strong for Inexperienced United

Many of the youth players gave good accounts of themselves, and matched the Baggies for parts of the match. However, the side was never going to be strong enough to beat Gary Megson's side, who look set to return to the Premeirship at the first time of asking.

Roy Carroll, Kleberson, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nicky Butt, John O'Shea and Darren Fletcher were the big names included in the starting line-up, but United clearly missed the match-winning players who were rested ahead of the weekends league fixture against Aston Villa.

The Baggies took the lead through a wonder-strike from Bernt Haas. The defender picked the ball up from Neil Clement cross, and he sent a tremendous volley towards goal, leaving 'keeper Roy Carroll with no chance.

United created little, and teenage sensation Cristiano Ronaldo was particularly disappointing. Roy Carroll was kept busy by the West Brom attack. The Northern Irish shot stopper was the most impressive United player on show making a series of good saves.

Carroll denied West Brom a 2-goal advantage when he saved Jason Koumas' penalty. The inexperienced Danny Pugh, who had almost scored an own goal in the early minutes, upended Koumas in the penalty area, leaving the referee with no option other than to give the spot-kick. The Welsh international took the penalty, but his shot was well saved by Carroll, which worked as a boost to the United side, who ended the half the stronger side.

Nicky Butt had United's best chance of the half. Youngster David Bellion sent a neat cross towards the English midfielder, but his header towards goal was weak, and was easily collected by Russell Hoult in the Albion goal.

The home side, urged on by a packed Hawthorns, started the brighter of the two sides in the second-half and Danny Dichio came close to doubling their lead on 49 minutes. Hass sent a cross in towards the towering striker, but his header clipped off the inside of the post and was gathered by Roy Carroll.

The travelling United support, who were fantastic throughout, deserved to see their side score but Albion always looked in control. World Cup winner Kleberson forced a good save from Hoult with a 20-yard drive, but with no recognised striker in the starting XI, United looked weak up-front.

West Brom all-but secured their place in the Quarter-Finals just before the hour-mark. Substitute Scott Dobie, who had been introduced only seconds earlier, first touch of the game was to head the ball past Roy Carroll following Neil Clement's cross.

United continued to battle hard, and many of the youngsters on show put in credible performances, but their was no way back for the Red Devils. Ronaldo and subtitute Daniel Nardiello both went close in the closing minutes, but it was a deserved Cup victory for West Bromwich Albion.

The game will have been a valuable 90 minutes for many of the more inexperienced starlets in action, but I am still a little annoyed by Ferguson's team selection. The competition has it's critics, but it's the 2nd best domestic Cup in England, and the United support in the Black country last night deserved better. However, nothing can be taken away from West Brom, who put in a superb performance. They will now face Arsenal in the quarter-finals in their own back yard. Good Luck Baggies!

Full Time - West Bromwich Albion 2-0 Manchester United

ManUtdWeb Man of the Match - Roy Carroll
It was a solid performance from the United 'keeper, who made a number of good saves, including Koumas' penalty, to keep the visitors in the game. With Fabien Barthez's career at Old Trafford seemingly over, United undoubtedly have an excellent number 2 in Carroll who will push Tim Howard all the way for the first choice place between the sticks.