Scholes Brace Secures Cup Triumph for United
By David Hobbs / Chris O'Brien
January 4 2004
The terrific Manchester United following of over 7,000 witnessed a Jekyll and Hyde performance from the Champions who came from a goal behind to knock Aston Villa out of the F.A Cup with a 2-1 victory. Paul Scholes netted both goals in the second-half.
| Aston Villa 1 - Manchester United 2 - Report |
Paul Scholes' two goals in the space of 4 minutes in the second half made sure United wouldn't suffer another F.A Cup heart break and sent them into round 4 of the great cup. Aston Villa's skipper Gareth Barry gave United an early shock when his shot took a minor deflection of Wes Brown, making his comeback from injury, but Paul Scholes made sure United had a place in the 4th round draw with 2 goals in the second half. United captain Roy Keane and Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy were both on the bench for United. Diego Forlan and Kleberson took their place. Villa had a few early chances with Darrius Vassell and Juan Pablo Angel both going close, but Mr. Safe Hand Tim Howard made sure Villa didn't take an early lead. But an early lead is exactly what Villa took. Gareth Barry's edge-of-the-area shot took a minor deflection off Wes Brown and bobbled past Tim Howard. 1-0 Villa. United were looking slightly weak and sloppy without Roy Keane and van Nistelrooy and failed to get any shots on goal. United's best chance of the half fell to John O'Shea, whose header from a corner was tipped onto the crossbar by Sorensen. Mikel Silveste failed to capitalize on the chance afterwards.
Half-Time: Aston Villa 1 - Manchester United 0
United then introduced Roy Keane and Ruud van Nistelrooy and they replaced Diego Forlan and the injured John O'Shea. Ryan Giggs' surging run set up the equalizer for the away team when his cross was tapped in by Paul Scholes and surporsed van Nistelrooy who looked set to claim it. 1-1. United were more fluent in their passing when Roy Keane and van Nistelrooy came onto the scene. They looked like they actually wanted to win the match now. Just 4 minutes after Scholes' goal he was up to his tricks again when a cross from the right set up Scholes for a marvelous finish. 2-1 United. Sir Alex Ferguson's men were then on edge when Peter Wittingham has several shots saved by Tim Howard. It all ended in victory for United and they booked their place in the F.A Cup 4th round.
Full Time: Aston Villa 1 - Manchester United 2 |
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| The Line-Ups |
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Aston Villa: Sorensen, De la Cruz,
Mellberg, Johnsen, Samuel, Hendrie, McCann, Whittingham, Barry, Vassell,
Angel. Subs: Hitzlsperger, Postma, Crouch, Moore, Ridgewell.
Man Utd: Howard, Gary Neville, Brown, Silvestre, O'Shea, Kleberson, Butt, Scholes, Fortune, Giggs, Forlan. Subs: van Nistelrooy, Bellion, Carroll, Keane, Fletcher. |
| ManUtdWeb Man of the Match - Paul Scholes |
The 'Ginja-Ninja' was up to his tricks again today and yet again proved how vital he is to United's system. |