Given – Aside from a Giggs shot that came straight into his arms, Shay had little to do as the opportunities United did create, sailed wide. No chance with the goal. 6
Onuoha – Solid in defence, which was vital as United seek to unlock teams down the flanks. Came close to a winner on two occasions. 7
The fourth and final installment of this season’s Manchester derbies sees City in excellent form, while United are watching their trophy hopes disappear, but let’s take nothing for granted. Victory is far from a given against a side that could be close to full strength.
Given – Made a great save at the death, but then stayed on his line for the goal. Also gambled wrongly on Carrick aiming at the near post for United’s second. 6
Richards – Defended solidly throughout, and played far better than on our last trip to Old Trafford. Surprised us all with a great strike using his left foot. 8
To lose 4-3 at Old Trafford to a stoppage time winner once this season was bad enough. To lose 4-3 (on aggregate) to a stoppage time winner for a second time is… Maybe I’m getting used to it, but it didn’t feel quite so bad second time around.
Part two of our Carling Cup semi-final against United and now for the hard bit, as we look to exploit our 2-1 advantage to reach Wembley. It promises to be a classic.
Carlos Tevez stole the headlines with two goals as City came from behind to beat a full-strength United in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final. Nothing can be taken for granted in the second leg as United showed their danger with a late onslaught, but at least City fans could go home happy with a win on the night.
Given – The match was in danger of descending into a duel between Shay and Rooney. Thankfully Shay was still winning when the referee blew for time. 8
Richards – An improvement on his display in the last derby, but still needs to get tighter on wingers as wily as Giggs. 7
It’s nearly 29 years since Paul Power scored the only goal against the then high flying Ipswich Town in City’s last major cup semi-final (we’re discouting the Full Members Cup here). That gap of time alone makes this Carling Cup semi-final a huge and historic fixture. The fact that it’s against United makes it bigger still.
No sooner had I published the preview, than the game gets postponed. It will now take place on Tuesday 19th January (the intended date of the second leg), with the return now put back a week to Wednesday 27 January. The home game against Stoke that was due for Tuesday 26 January will now be rearranged.
Fergie may have attempted to claim last Sunday as the greatest derby ever, but maybe he was just trying to deflect us from our real favourite…
Watch the highlights here.
Happy Twentieth Anniversary everybody!
The Guardian have kindly put up their match report from the time.
