Carling Cup: Man United beats out City

Woo Hoo, I have a sore throat, but I don't care 'cause United are going to Wembley! 

(c) 27 Jan 2010 Press Association photography

Man United played local rivals (*cough* upstarts!) Man City at Old Trafford in the final leg Carling Cup semi-final, 2-1 on the night (4-3 agg).

I won't bother to be impartial- screams of 'IN YO' FACE!' are how I got this sore throat in the first place as Wayne Rooney headed in a Ryan Giggs cross in the 92nd minute. For analysis, check sports writer Henry Winters Daily Telegraph article.


Overall, this Manchester derby was hard fought and tight, but the aggressors in the 2nd half were Man United. The introduction of Adebayor and Ireland solidified City's offensive play, and Tevez not only scored a crafty goal but had a few other chances.

Given the intensity of this second leg following a very heated first at the sky blue's Eastlands ground, it was nice to see things defuse a little by the match end. Ok, Craig Bellamy took a penny on the head thrown by some errant fans. But that aside, City manager Mancini (he of the chic cashmere blue/white scarves) gamely waved and signed autographs for United fans and both sets of players shook hands at the end.

On TV, it seemed like City striker Adebayor received a warm reception by United fans when he warmed up on the touchline, recognition of the empathy we all feel for the Togo national football team who pulled out of the African Cup of Nations tournament two weeks ago in Angola following a gun attack on their team bus. Touching.

A second view (Match of the Day, 10:55pm) revealed there was no such love! Unless you can mistake hand waves with the five-finger shuffle variety?

"The Dapper Italian" Roberto Mancini cuts a fine figure in his jacket 'n' knotted scarf combo. Someone should send a MMS to "Chortle Cheeks" Ancelotti- he's letting the Italian manager style side down.

But wait- spot the similarity below? A case of 'follow the leaders style' for Man City owner and Chief Exec

(c) 19 Jan 2010 Press Association

Man of the match: Darren Fletcher

Surprise player of the match: Carrick edges Nani...just. Neither has inspired my confidence for a while now, but tonight they worked very well. Carrick paired effectively with Fletcher, and both guys played their part setting up the first goal and scoring the second (Carrick). Keep it up, Nani...

Thank God He's Ours Player: Rooney (the "White Pele") and Ferdinand. One is exciting and dangerous upfront, and the other provided a welcome authority at the rear.