Manchester United are counting the cost of their continued presence in the much maligned Carling Cup after reaching the final following last night's 4-2(3) second-leg semi-final win over Derby County. However, Jonny Evans, Rafael and Anderson all sustained injuries which means that Fergie's already depleted squad will be tested to the full over the coming games.
With Rio Ferdinand already out suffering with back spasms, the most concerning of all was the injury to Jonny Evans, the Northern Ireland international took a nasty knock on his ankle and looks likely to miss the FA Cup tie with Spurs this weekend and Tuesday's trip to West Brom.
Rafael, who was once again impressive, sustained a hamstring injury which will keep him out of action for up to three weeks. It is not known how serious Anderson's injury is at this stage. Fergie will also be concerned over the fitness of Gary Neville; the Reds club captain looked at home in the centre of defence, but worryingly for United had to be replaced midway through the second-half.
The Champions raced into a three-nil first-half lead, this after a fairly quiet opening 15 minute spell, but goals by Nani, O'Shea and Tevez put United back firmly in control of the tie. The visitors hit back late in the second-half when Giles Barnes scored from the penalty spot after a limping Jonny Evans conceded a penalty.
The scoring wasn't over though, as minutes later former United stopper Roy Carroll brought down Tevez inside the Derby box and substitute Cristiano Ronaldo crashed home the killer goal. All credit to Nigel Clough's team though, because they kept on fighting and Giles Barnes was on target again on 90 minutes which made sure the match was keenly contested until the final whistle.
Injuries to key players aside, there was several memorable moments from this second-leg tie. The ever inconsistent Nani scored a wonder goal from fully thirty yards; it seems churlish to point out that Roy Carroll should have done better. Despite his goal, the Portuguese winger still flatters to deceive and needs to work on his final ball. The arrival of Serbian winger Zoran Tosic looks to have given Nani the kick up the back-side he needed. Time will tell if he can develop the potential he showed when he first arrived at the club.
Arguably, most notable of all though was the United fans who continually implored Fergie in no uncertain terms to sign Carlos Tevez. United fans will be hoping that the club are listening because judging by the Argentine's goal celebration it is what he wants too. Fergie, Fergie sign him on...
Without a doubt, Tevez was the man of the match for me... With all due respect to Derby, I'd like to see Tevez perform more consistently against the Premier League clubs as well. He is no doubt an incredible player, but 32million pounds or not...Hmmmm... its an open question
ReplyDeleteOmar, Goals win prizes and despite only being a bit part player this season, Tevez is right up there with United's other leading scorers. I think Ronaldo, Rooney and Berbatov are on 10 goals, Tevez is on 9. If the other three are worth £30M+ then so is Tevez IMO.
ReplyDeleteTevez is a big fans favourite and rightly so, he gives 100% and he makes things happen, as he did against Bolton when creating the winner.
United will be making a massive mistake if they allow to leave.
Agree with you on that James... But 32 Mil for someone on the bench.. I'd think twice... He is no doubt a class player, but even great players dont find their form easily when on the bench for large periods... No doubt it is good for the club to have a strong bench, but at that price... i'd think twice...
ReplyDeleteOmar, the point is though that Tevez shouldn't be on the bench, it should be Park or Nani who collect splinters up their back-sides. Tevez is twice as effective as either of those two will ever be. Workrate, (Park) and the occasional flash of brilliance (Nani) shouldn't be enough to get the nod over Tevez who is technically better than the other two.
ReplyDeleteJames, its true that tevez is way more effective on the pitch than say a Nani or a Park, but the fact of the matter is that these 2 are wide players and Tevez will never succeed in a wide role... It would be a big blunder to play Tevez on the wings, we've seen that happen to rooney last season and at Anfield earlier this season... The gaffer must be in a dilemma right now...Anyways just hope tht Tevez doesnt leave the club, though I still feel he is over-priced :) He's worth 20-24Mil...no more than that
ReplyDeleteWell Tevez played on the left for West Ham did very well, I might add that he started wide in the CL final too.... in a 4:3:3
ReplyDeleteI'm not going to argue over the fee but save to say we disagree on this one...
Pal, I call a truce on this one...but Tevez on the wings is no doubt an attack minded 4-3-3 but it cuts down on the width the team enjoys say with a Park or Nani...Anyways...half the season ahead...lets hope Tevez gets his chance, with rooney out injured, and hopefully he can win us maximum points... He has always been a fan's favorite...
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