It’s fair to say that United’s games at the new Wembley
haven’t exactly been thrill-a-minute barnstormers.
Last season we were involved in two goalless draws,
enlivened by penalty shoot-out climaxes. But from the off
yesterday, the Carling Cup final was a great spectacle.
The early goal – and debate surrounding it – was just what the game
needed. Villa’s fans were incensed by referee Phil Dowd’s refusal
to send off Nemanja Vidic for his foul on Gabriel Agbonlahor.
Though James Milner put away the resultant spot-kick, one half of
the crowd were on Dowd’s case for the remaining 85 minutes, and it
made for a lively encounter that we might not otherwise have been
treated to. United’s support, too, were in fine voice to refute the
‘no atmosphere’ accusation levelled by some at the reincarnated
Wembley.
Given that slight reprieve by Dowd, United came out of the blocks
looking for an equaliser, and instantly the game opened up. Michael
Owen’s finish was typically clinical, and it was disappointing to
see him forced off through injury – even if the man who replaced
him must have instilled fear into Villa’s hearts.
Wayne Rooney is in such scintillating form that you expect him to
score every time he gets the ball anywhere near goal. Yesterday he
had to settle for one goal, yet another immaculate header, to
retain the Carling Cup for his side.
It was a fluid display from United and one that will please Sir
Alex and his coaching staff. Vidic recovered from his early setback
to dominate Agbonlahor, Tomasz Kuszczak was rarely troubled and
Dimitar Berbatov showed some delightful touches.
Meanwhile, Antonio Valencia, Ji-sung Park and Darren Fletcher were
immense in midfield, particularly after the break. Villa couldn’t
handle the Reds’ pace on the break and the scoreline could easily
have been more lopsided.
As a United fan I always feel privileged to make the trip to
Wembley – many other clubs’ supporters will never be afforded the
experience. It was a long coach trip down yesterday – we convened
at Old Trafford at 7.10am and didn’t get back until 10.45pm – but
well worth it, and especially so after United’s win.
Cup finals are special, and not just for the match itself. Arriving
en masse at motorway service stations in the Midlands, walking down
Wembley Way to soak up the pre-match atmosphere, queuing on the car
park for over an hour after the game, singing songs and watching
United DVDs on the way home – all these add up to a memorable
occasion that doesn't come round that often.
The Carling Cup may only have been fourth on the list of
United’s priorities at the start of the season. But it’s too easy
to take trophies for granted and we should be savouring this latest
piece of silverware.
It is, after all, the very first time in our illustrious history
that we’ve retained a cup. Let’s hope there’s more excitement to
come in the final three months of the season.