After the disastrous Manchester derby, United returned to action with a trip to Aldershot in the Carling cup, and a good opportunity to get back to winning ways before the difficult game versus Everton at the weekend. Having beaten Leeds United in the previous round, Fergie opted for a similar line up, with Michael Owen and Dimitar Berbatov leading the line for the reds, both with intentions of forcing their way back into the first team reckoning. Tom Cleverley and Nemanja Vidic returned from injury to give United a further boost ahead of the weekend, and with prodigal talents Paul Pogba and Ravel Morrison on the bench, there was plenty to keep the United faithful entertained.
With United looking to set the record straight, the reds began brightly with some tidy passing, and good movement as the re introduction of Tom Cleverley looked to re invigorate what had been a recently inept midfield. Vidic looked to be still shaking off some cob webs after his early season injury, and was quickly in the book for a very late lunge on Aldershot striker Rodman. It was a brief soiree into the United half however, and soon it was the reds cutting edge which proved decisive in giving them an early lead on 15 minutes, as some superb link up play between Cleverley, Park and Berbatov allowed the Bulgarian time to turn and finish with his left foot. Most assumed United would go on to accumulate a convincing victory, however, credit must be given to the shots who responded magnificently to going a goal behind and enjoyed their best spell of the game. Cruelly for the home side, United again proved their class just before half time, as Berbatov, seemingly playing his way back into the reckoning, produced a wonderful assist for Owen who made no mistake from 7 yards out, finishing Aldershot’s realistic chance of getting back into the tie. (More …)
Safhammer, 
Tanaya, and 3 others are discussing. 
seriously? just because it was a carling cup game you are going to accept this performance? this wasnt a reserve team…the back 4 is our second choice defence…there was anderson and fletcher in midfield…hernandez,giggs for crying out loud…i dont care who you playing in what competition…they were playing for manchester united! so i expect more! gutted!