Rooney Seals Passage To 5th Round Of FA Cup (Manchester United 2 - Portsmouth 1)

We rested Ronaldo while Rooney was placed on the bench as we faced Portsmouth in the 4th round of the FA Cup.

It should have been a routine win had it not been for a couple really bad linesman decisions. Early in the 12th minutes, Vidic thought he had scored from a corner. He headed the ball beyond the goal line before Mendes could clear it. It was as clear as daylight but the linesman's view was probably blocked and play was waved on despite the protests from the United players.

Early in the second half, Larsson was brilliantly put thru by Neville and he volleyed a sensational shot into the goal but was flagged offside. The TV replays once again showed otherwise.

Beyond the 2 incidents, we were dominant throughout the game. A combination of poor finishing, brilliant defending by Sol 'Judas' Campbell and an utterly in-form David James conspired to thwart all our efforts on goal.

For almost 80 minutes, the feeling I got was that the Football Gods had decreed a goalless draw, despite our best efforts. Cue Wayne Rooney off from the substitute bench.

After some piss poor passing from the Portsmouth players had gifted us the ball, Giggs drove down the line and cut a beautiful ball back to an unmarked Rooney for a simple tap in. 6 minutes later, in the 83rd minute, Rooney scored again. This time, there was nothing simple about the goal. He took the ball outside the box, took a look up and sublimely chipped David James. Old Trafford erupted in spontaneous euphoria. Shades of Eric Cantona. It's moments like this that I wish our jerserys still had collars.

Unfortunately, Arsehole Wanker was right. We've been having the penchant of conceding late goals and right on cue, we conceded a late deflected goal from a Mendes drive in the 87th minute. It not only took away the gloss of victory, but also gave us a few nervous minutes to see out.

The lads need to learn to concentrate until the full time whistle blows. While Ferguson didn't look bothered by the late goal, happily soaking in the Old Trafford atomsphere, even allowing the luxury of signing autographs before the final whistle, it must still have bothered him somewhat that Wanker was spot on in his assessment. Perhaps it's time to send the lads to 'concentration camp' (South Park reference S5E11).

Positives to take from the game
Giggs rolled back the clock today. He was at his best, twisting and turning opponents, probably breaking a few ankles in the process.

Carrick was not Mr Invisible today.

Evra looks good going forward, but I still cringe when he's defending. However, he might turn out alright.

Rooney looks like he's back to his best. He's playing like the burden's off.

Not So Positive
Might be missing the midweek game against Watford since I'd be on reservist. !@#%^ army!