By Chris O'Brien
December 2 2005

Manchester United cruised into the quarter-finals of the League Cup with a 3-1 drubbing of West Bromwich Albion. Prior to kick-off, a memorable and emotional tribute was held to the late, great George Best.

Manchester United cruised into the quarter-finals of the League Cup with an impressive 3-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion but it was an evening that will not be remembered for the football. The club hosted a fantastic tribute to the late George Best prior to kick-off that brought many a tear to the eyes of the 48,924 the Old Trafford terraces.

 

Best’s team-mates from the 1968 European Cup final came onto the pitch prior to kick-off along with members of the West Brom squad whom the attacker made his debut against in 1963. The legends lined up opposite the two teams prior to kick-off, with opposing manager’s Sir Alex Ferguson and Bryan Robson laying reefs and every single supporter holding up a poster of the Northern Irish genius.

 

Sir Alex Ferguson named a fairly strong side for the visit of Robson’s Baggies. Louis Saha and skipper Gary Neville continued their comebacks from injury, with first-team regulars such as Rio Ferdinand, Mikael Silvestre, Cristiano Ronaldo and Darren Fletcher amongst the starting XI.

 

The tribute, an emotional occasion for the club, clearly motivated the players. United raced into a two-goal lead and the result never looked in doubt. Ronald netted a penalty in the twelfth minute and Louis Saha netted a morale-boosting strike moments later as the Red Devils took a firm grasp of the game.

 

It was an electric start from the hosts. Rossi made an instant impression, proving his potential as a world-class striker, with a mazy run and a neat pass to Saha who slotted the ball home from close range – only to be ruled out offside. It didn’t take long for the deadlock to be broken though, with Diomansy Kamara bringing down Ronaldo who picked himself up and slotted home from 12-yards. Number 7 – how fitting.

 

West Brom, perhaps overwhelmed by the occasion, were poor in defence and gifted the game to United. They did threaten on the break, but few supporters were concerned and the tie looked all but safe on 16 minutes. Rossi, superb throughout, found Saha with a neat pass and the Frenchman sent a long-range shot into the back of the net with Russell Hoult allowing the ball to bobble under his body.

 

As chants of “George Best World” rang around the Stretford End, United found themselves in cruise control. There were chances to extend the lead with Rossi clipping the woodwork and Ronaldo looking threatening. At the other end, Kamara and Horsefield both had chances but the Baggies lacked the killer instinct to their game that they desperately need to find if they are to again avoid relegation this season.

 

The game was put beyond doubt just before the hour with the prolific John O’Shea finding the net for back-to-back games. The Irish international smashed a powerful drive passed Hoult as he bulldozed through the penalty area to end proceedings. His goal was followed by the introduction of youngster Richard Jones, Phillip Bardsley and Gerald Pique as Ferguson gave his youngsters a chance to shine.

 

The visitors continued to battle on and enjoyed their best spell of possession during the last twenty minutes. Richard Chaplow and Robert Earnshaw came on from the bench as the Baggies sought consolation, and it came through Nathan Ellington. ‘The Duke’ headed home a corner he had won himself but United held on comfortably for a pleasing victory.

 

A memorable night for all concerned. Roll on Portsmouth this Saturday.

 

Full Time – Manchester United 3-1 West Bromwich Albion
Attendance – 48,924

Manchester United: Howard, Neville, Ferdinand, Silvestre, O'Shea (Pique 67), Ronaldo, Fletcher (Jones 59), Park (Bardsley 63), Richardson, Rossi, Saha.
Substitutes Not Used: Rooney, Steele.

West Bromwich Albion: Hoult, Albrechtsen, Moore (Gaardsoe 45), Clement, Robinson, Kamara (Earnshaw 70), Wallwork, Carter, Inamoto, Horsfield (Chaplow 66), Ellington.
Substitutes Not Used: Greening, Kuszczak.