United Advances In Carling Cup

Aldershot 0 - Manchester United 3
Scorers
Manchester United: Bervatov (15), Owen (42), Valencia (47)


Team: Amos, Vidic, Jones, Fryers (M. Keane 70), Fabio, Park, Cleverley (Progba 60), Diouf (Morrison 70), Valencia, Berbatov, Owen

After the derby day debacle, this fixture was exactly what the doctor ordered. None of the 11 that started on Sunday were involved in this game.

We didn't exactly walk all over our opponents, but we showed plenty of desire, especially from the front two of Bervatov and Owen. Both were playing exceptionally good games, with a shout out to Ferguson not to forget them. Berbatov in particular was as industrious as I've seen him in a red jersey. From defense to attack, he was everywhere. Considering that this is only his second start of the season, he was definitely making the most of it.

Cleverley was a welcome return. He once again showed what we lacked in midifeld; someone who can move the ball quickly from the defensive third to the last third.

At the back, Vidic was paired with Jones, and he still has abit of rust to shake off, but he's getting there. Fryers reprised his role at left back for the Carling Cup and did a credible job. While it wasn't stellar and his distribution was a little lacking at times, at least he stayed behind and didn't allow Aldershot to rip the left flank to shreds.

All three goals were well worked with clever passing to rip the Aldershot defense to shreds and Valencia's screamer was the pick of the lot. After it was scored, United let off the pressure and played to contain Aldershot till the final whistle.

The youngsters, Michael Keane, Morrison and Progba, who came on made little impact. Keane looked abit overawed by the occasion and was poor in his distribution. Morrison has a good touch and looks like a player for the future. All he has to do is to keep his head screwed on right. As for Progba, he's passing is top-notched, however, I'm a little worried about his tackling, tt looks very Scholes-like. The rest of his play reminds me of a certain Patrick Vieira.

Come Sunday we face the real challenge of Everton at Goodison. It will be the true indication if we've shaken off the result from Sunday. I can't exactly say I'm looking forward to it. Everton is a tough opponent and we're looking distinctly at our worst form for a long long time. Unless Cleverley plays, I can't see how our front players can penetrate the tight Everton defense. And I don't even know if it's too soon for Cleverley to play in such a huge impact game.