By Chris,
February 17 2009
Manchester United cruised into the quarter-finals of the F.A Cup with a 4-1 hammering of Derby County on Sunday. Sir Alex Ferguson made a handful of changes to his line-up - but the Red Devils still cruised to a comfortable win to keep dreams of an incredible five-trophy haul alive. Nani, Darron Gibson, Cristiano Ronaldo and Danny Welbeck found the target.
United, keen to avoid a repeat of their last trip to Pride Park, burst out of the traps and nearly opened the scoring through Darren Fletcher and Ji-Sung Park before Nani broke the deadlock. The skilful Portguease winger rifled in a fine long-range effort to send United on their way.
Ronaldo thought he had doubled United's lead shortly afterwards as he latched onto a Giggs flick and dispatched a fine finish to a lethal run - but his effort was belatedly ruled-out with the linesman spotting a handball from Giggs in the build-up.
United didn't have to wait too long for the second, however. Gibson's volley found a way passed Stephen Bywater - though Derby's backline were furious after Rafael Da Silva appeared to get involved from an offside position. Either way, the Reds totally deserved their two-goal lead at the interval.
United's dominance continued and Ronaldo soon found his way onto the scoresheet as he headed home a Giggs corner - but the Rams battled on and gave themselves a glimmer of hope on 56 minutes as Miles Addison headed home following some nice build-up play from Kris Commons and ex-Reds youngster Robbie Savage.
Eleven-time winners United sealed the win with nine minutes to go through Welbeck. The young striker picked up a pass from Fletcher before curling home a fine effort from eighteen yards. It completed a superb attacking display from Fergie's men, with beaten Rams boss Nigel Clough talking-up our chances of success on all fronts after the full-time whistle.
Full Time - Derby County 1-4 Manchester United
Attendance - 32,103
