ALDERSHOT, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Dimitar Berbatov of Manchester United celebrates scoring to make it 1-0 with Park Ji-Sung and Michael Owen during the Carling Cup fourth round match between Aldershot Town and Manchester United at the EBB Stadium, Recreation Ground on October 25, 2011 in Aldershot, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Just two days after their shock 1-6 defeat to Manchester City, Manchester United traveled south to defeat League Two side Aldershot Town FC 0-3 in a round 4 Carling Cup match. United dominated possession throughout the match and it was Dimitar Berbatov that opened the scoring in the 15th minute. Near the top of the box, Park Ji-sung played the ball to Tom Cleverley who then split the defense and returned the pass to Park in the box after an intelligent run -- the Korean then pulled it back for Berba who clinically finished. Michael Owen scored the 2nd goal in the 41st minute after Berbatov played a nice ball across the box for him to finish. Just 3 minutes into the 2nd half, Antonio Valencia added a third goal to effectively seal the match when he cracked a shot to the top corner from about 24 yards out.
The match was a positive for United as many squad members who haven't been playing were able to get a run -- Berbatov and Owen made the most of their appearances. Captain Nemanja Vidic continues to search for form and fitness after his long injury lay-off but his timing in tackle appears to be a bit off at the moment. Park Ji-sung gave an industrious display in the center of the park and helped United overrun Aldershot in the center. Perhaps the most welcoming sight was the return of Tom Cleverley to the side. The youngster dictated the match for entire hour that he was on the pitch. He looks ready to compete for being first-choice again in the center of the park -- a spark that the Reds need at the moment.
Youngsters Zeki Fryers, Paul Pogba, Ravel Morrison, and Michael Keane were all able to make appearances as well -- for the latter, it was a senior debut. Fryers put in another class performance -- just as he did versus Leeds United in round 3 -- but this time at left-back. Pogba did well to break up play in the final half hour and he showed class with his technical ability. Starlet Morrison and Keane came on later on in the match and perhaps did not have enough time to display their full potential. Nonetheless, it was good to get them on the pitch with the senior side.
Overall, it was a very positive night for the club. A small step to feeling better after Sunday's nightmare. The draw for Round 5 will be on Saturday. What are your impressions from the match? Did any particular individuals impress you or concern you? If you were at the match, please your experiences.
Poll
MUFC man of the match?
Dimitar Berbatov (39 votes)
Michael Owen (0 votes)
Antonio Valencia (3 votes)
Tom Cleverley (15 votes)
Other (specify in comments) (1 vote)
58 total votes


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