Easy! Roll on the Semis!

Opening Scorer
By Chris O'Brien
March 12 2005

This was a truly awesome display from Manchester United. A comfortable 4-0 win over relegation-threatened Southampton secured a place in the last four of the F.A Challenge Cup.

With the Premiership title looking out of grasp, Manchester United clearly realised the importance of the F.A Challenge Cup to the club and supporters with an awesome performance to send Southampton out of the great competition and book a place in the semi-finals. Travelling Reds at the St. Mary's witnessed United outclass the South Coast outfit with a performance in total contrast to the mid-week disappointment in Milan.

The score never looked in doubt as United led from almost the very beginning, and went onto to secure a comfortable 4-0 victory. Goals from Roy Keane, Cristiano Ronaldo and a brace from Paul Scholes were more than enough to secure a win over a Southampton side who have the threat of relegation to deal with as their welcomed Cup distraction crashes to an abrupt ending.

United were out of the blocks with a bang. Roy Keane's second minute strike meant a 25th F.A Cup semi-final looked likely as soon as the opening moments. The Red Devils skipper fired home a powerful show to put United on their way, and the half was them dictated by the visiting side.

Ronaldo doubled the advantage just before half-time as United's class told. The Portuguese international turned the ball home from 12-yards coming from a Van Nistelrooy cut-back. The goal was made by superb work from Wayne Rooney, who had supplied the cross after a dangerous run down the right flank. The 19-year-old was a major threat throughout, and even at 4-0 was still running back and showing high endeavour and commitment.

Pre-match banter had seen the Southampton fans taunting United for their 1976 F.A Cup success, yet a repeat piece of silverware 29 years later looked highly unlikely as United led 2-0 at the break. The game was put beyond doubt minutes into the second-half as Paul Scholes nestled in a goal-mouth scramble to send United three clear. Sven Goran-Erikksson was watching from the terraces and will have been cursing Scholes' early retirement from international football. A flare thrown from the crowd dampened the celebrations, and a banning order looks likely for one over-excited travelling Red.

With Southampton depleted, Dutchman Van Nistelrooy looked hungry for a goal. After a frustrating spell on the sidelines with injury he pushed forward looking for a confidence boost but to no avail. However, his assist for United's fourth was something rather special. A pinpoint delivery was turned in by Scholes at the far post to rub salt into Harry Redknapp's wounds.

Sir Alex Ferguson recently lost his first ever domestic semi-final as United boss. Defeat in the League Cup to Chelsea ended a record lasting over 18 years, but Fergie will be hoping a place at the Millennium Stadium awaits his side in the F.A Cup this term. The draw for the last four is on Monday, with Arsenal already through the winners of Leicester's game with Blackburn and Spurs visit to Newcastle going into the hat.

So a great performance from United, and our love affair with the greatest Cup competition in the world continues. Southampton are left to flirt with relegation and the prospect of football in the Championship next season. As the fans sang, "We'll be back to put you down." United visit the St.Mary's again on the last day of the season, mysteriously moved to Sunday 15th May.