Manchester United ran riot in their 5th round FA Cup tie with Derby, scoring 3 un-answered goals and running out eventual 4-1 winners. It was a deserved victory for United who are still in contention for an unprecedented quadruple. Nani opened the scoring on 29 minutes with a typically spectacular effort that just sailed past Bywater, this lad doesn’t know how to score tap ins – he could probably have his very own goal of the season competition. On 37 minutes the most bizarre incident involving a linesman – I don’t recall ever seeing this before but when Ronaldo doubled the score with a great individual goal after a team assist, the assistant referee ruled it out long after they had celebrated. Very odd indeed. The official explanation was that he had to ask the referee before he could be sure that Giggs’ touch had ruled Ronny offside – perhaps in future he should try watching the game but that said the pair probably came to the right descission in the end, if it had affected the result I think SAF would have had more to say about it. Luckilly for the managers blood pressure United did double their lead just before half time through the unlikely source of Darren Gibson who finished well after Ronaldo’s free kick rebounded off the wall. A good half time score for United and Derby looked dead and buried. Just after half time Ronaldo did get his reward with a well taken yet simple header in from the corner. United 3 up and looking good for a place in the quarter final draw. But just 10 minutes later Derby found a way back in to it with a good goal from Adison. It perhaps looked like turning into one of the greatest Cup upsets of all time but it was not to be, United’s experience is far too great to let a 3 goal cushion slide against lower league opposition. And they sealed the result on 81 minutes through young substitute Danny Welbeck, this was definately goal of the game it is hard to believe that Welbeck is still only 18, he definitely looks a great prospect for the future. 4-1 is how it finished and United cruise in to the quater finals where they will be away to Swansea or Fulham, and judging by current form I think they would rather play the Premier League side.
Toby Bowen
I think that United were the much better team!!