United win Carling Cup on penalties

After a goalless 90 minutes and 30 minutes of extra time, Manchester United defeated Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 in penalty shoot-outs to win the Carling Cup at the Wembley Stadium.

United’s goalkeeper Ben Foster saved Tottenham’s first penalty from Jamie O’Hara, David Bentley sent Tottenham’s spot-kick wide of the target, leaving United Brazilian midfielder Anderson to score the winning penalty.

The carling Cup is United’s Third Cup this year after the Charity Shield and the Club World Cup. Besides these they are on course to win another three titles- the English Premier League, the Champions League and he F A Cup.

It was United who dominated the game in the early stages with midfielder Nani forcing a save by Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes in the 16th minute. With Gary Neville injured and Ryan Giggs on the bench, Rio Ferdinand was handed the captains arm band.

Ferdinand went close to scoring with a half-volley halfway through the first half, but his shot was wide of the crossbar. Tottenham started to get their flow and rhythm into the game and United’s ‘keeper Ben Foster was forced to make a save just before the 30 minutes mark, saving a shot from Darren Bent, who had been released by Luka Modric.

Foster denied the pocket-sized Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon in the 71^st minute to make a fine save and avoid the opening goal .

Cristiano Ronaldo looked off color as it ended up being an afternoon of frustration for the English champions. But the Portuguese winger almost scored deep into injury-time, only to see his powerful hit being saved by the post, Nani fired wide from the ricochet.

With both sides in the Champions Football League and the uefa Cup, they have had busy fixtures schedules and neither would have wanted to play the 30 minutes of extra-time.

United Boss, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side will now be looking to add the English Premier League, Champions League and F.A. Cup trophies to their trophy cabinet. Many think that might not be a problem for the Red Devils Considering the Team SAF has.

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