Manchester United paints Red!

After being humiliated by Manchester City in the league, Manchester United finally gets their revenge by knocking out City from the FA Cup. It was a high voltage match, it was a matter of prestige for both the Manchester clubs. At the end United knocked out City at their own den – Etihad Stadium. The game had all kinds of emotions. It truly lived up to its pre-match hype. There were enough drama and excitement right from the kick-off. It was Manchester United who drew the first blood as early as 10th minute through Rooney who was in a tremendous form on the day. The goal was assisted by Antonio Valencia who counter-attacked and produced a wonderful cross for Wayne Rooney who produced a powerful header to score the first goal of the game.

City’s hope of a counter-attack once again came to a set-back quickly when Kompany was sent off for a challenge to Nani, lunging forward with both feet. Although he won the ball but referee Chris Foy did not like the challenge and showed him a straight red card to the fury of the Citizens. However City were not stopped by this and they continued their attack and at times bringing fine saves from Lindegaard. But their failure to convert chances to goals fell heavy on them as United took their chance in the 30th minute. Nani crossed to Evra and Evra low crossed to Welbeck, although Nasri should have delt with the cross but he failed and Welbeck punished him by notching his seventh goal of the season on the volley.

Just four minutes later United were awarded a penalty for Kolarov bringing down Welbeck. Costel Pantilimon who replaced City’s number one Joe Hart in for this important match almost made headlines by saving Rooney’s resulting spot-kick but his luck was out as Rooney headed in the rebounder. So when the half time whistle was blown the Red Devils by then have already painted the Etihad Stadium Red! When both teams came back for the second half it was thought that the only option left for City was to avoid further humiliation and defend as much as possible. But City was not giving up so easily. They were optimistic and Kolarov scored the first goal for the home side in the 48th minute. This time Evra was the guilty of bringing down Richards outside the box and Kolarov scored a superb free-kick.

However, City was back into the game seriously when Aguero scored in the 65th minute. Milner assisted the Argentinean who made no mistake to slot the ball home behind Lindegaard. City tried their best to find an equalizer and they were threatening a lot. They thought they had a penalty when a low ball from Kolarov rebounded and caught Jones’ arm but referee rejected their appeal. City created a lot of chances but just could not find the perfect finish and hence it was the Red Army that was dominating at the stadium. This match also saw United veteran Paul Scholes coming out of his retirement to play his 677th match in United’s color. The 37-year old Paul made this decision considering United’s problem in the mid-field due to a lot of injuries.

Throughout the match United were ruthless and answered all their critics who thought United is losing its dominance and also Rooney rubbed-off the speculations of him leaving United. All-in-all, it was a great day for all the Manchester United’s supporters who once again regained their authority.

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