1 Gone, 2 More To Go

Well, well, it seems Manchester United FC is not 'really' interested in the FA Cup. It is more for blooding new, young talents in their ranks. It can clearly be seen from the obviously understrength team paraded for the tie against Everton FC in the 2nd semi-final of the FA Cup played yesterday. Only 5 regulars were named for the match, namely centre-backs Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, central midfielder Anderson, right midfielder Ji-sung Park and forward Carlos Tevez. Reserves who started were Ben Foster between the post, wing-backs the Brazilian twins, Rafael and Fabio da Silva, central midfielder Darent Gibson, forwards Frederico Macheda and Danny Welbeck who played at left midfield. As Sir Alex Ferguson said before, the FA Cup is a chance for his young charges to prove themselves worthy of 1st team places. 

But still, the young players proved themselves worthy for holding out the resurgent full-strength Everton team to a goalless draw till extra time. Along the way they missed a few golden opportunities to put the ball into the net. They were even denied a clear penalty in the 2nd half when Welbeck was brought down in the box. Occasionally they were finding difficulties in breaching Everton's defence but still did give them a few scary moments.

At the back, both Ferdinand and Vidic were outstanding in holding off Everton's numerous attacks, which were quite unrelenting. But in the end, all this came to nought when luck ran out on them in the lottery of penalty kicks.

Now Man Utd must pull themselves together to face the challenges ahead in their defence of both the BPL and Champions' League. So come rain or shine, Man Utd might still strike the jackpot yet again. CIAO!