Riding on local lad's winning strike against Wolves, Man United keep their title defence alive
Riding on local lad's winning strike against Wolves, Man United keep their title defence alive
Danny Welbeck scored the only goal as 10-man Manchester United kept their League Cup defence alive with a 1-0 third round win over Wolverhampton at Old Trafford last night.
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Manchester United's Michael Owen (left) and Wolverhampton's Christophe Berra fight for possession in Manchester yesterday. pic/AFP |
Welbeck, a locally-born 19-year-old, was on the end of a well-worked 66th minute move by the holders as the striker collected a pass from Michael Carrick and played a neat one-two with Michael Owen.
Welbeck was allowed the space to manoeuvre through a stationary Wolves defence before converting from eight yards.
It was a fine goal and eased the pressure that Wolves had, periodically, placed upon United.
But, while the match could be considered a success for one United teenager, for another it was something of a disaster.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson's plan to give key youngsters a run-out was undone after 29 minutes when Brazilian left-back Fabio Da Silva was sent-off for a professional foul.
Jonny Evans and Wes Brown were both guilty of misjudging a long punt from Segundo Castillo, under pressure from Stefan Maierhofer, and Michael Kightly sped through the middle, outpacing Fabio only to be rugby tackled as the defender fell to the ground just outside the box.
David Jones' shot from the resulting free-kick on the edge of the United area drew a magnificent one-handed tip from keeper Tomasz Kuszczak as the hosts almost paid twice over for the infringement.
Chelsea, Man City in Round FourJoe Cole's return provided Carlo Ancelotti with a welcome boost but the Chelsea manager was left with plenty to ponder as his side beat 1-0 Championship side QPR to claim a League Cup fourth round spot yesterday.
Salomon Kalou's 53rd minute goal proved the difference between the west London neighbours, but Chelsea only exerted any authority following the half-time introduction of England midfielder Frank Lampard.
For QPR, defeat came as another blow after a week when the future of the club owner Flavio Briatore was thrown into doubt following his suspension from F1 after his role in the Renault 'crashgate' scandal.
Meanwhile, Man City overcame a one-goal deficit to defeat Fulham by the odd-goal in three. Gera put Fulham ahead in the 34th minute and Gareth Barry leveled seven minutes into the second half. But it was Kolo Toure, who won it for City with a 111th minute goal.
