Manchester United could not be on the right track in domestic league but in Capital One Cup it is right on the target with a fantastic entry to the semifinals of the event. United defeated Stoke by 2-0 to enter into the finals and Ashley Young and Patrice Evra were the hero of its brilliant soccer in toughest conditions. Both the goals came in the second half as conditions in the first half were not encouraging to players, in fact, game had to be called off in the 29th minute after a hail. Even after resumption, no player had full confident to run and jump as smoothly as he could have been had rain not struck the match. But anyway, Moyes is jubilant to see his army showing their best despite missing Wayne Rooney for an injury. First goal of the match came in the sixty second minute when Young’s direct shot from the edge took them ahead of Stroke, then Evra scored second one in the seventy eight minute with his brilliant curling right foot shot. It was enough to surge them to the last four and it will certainly boost team’s moral for EPL as well.
This is a great opportunity for once highly criticized David Moyes after he took over managerial duties from legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, coz here, he can at least debut his English career with a trophy in the first season itself. In English Premier League as well, United show has been shattering so far and they are nowhere among the top four, but if it could convince fans with a title win in League One, they will surely resume their English season with a significant improvement. Manager shared his exaggeration after the match and described how he sees his performance in most difficult playing conditions, he said, “The conditions, especially in the first half, made it really difficult for the players. I think the first goal, whoever scored, was going to make a big difference. It was a tight game. I don’t think Stoke created too many chances, either. Manchester United Football Club are used to winning trophies, it’s just business as usual, but I’ve got to say we’re all delighted that we’re in the semi-final.”
Stoke City manager also explained reasons for their defeat in a crucial game, he said, “I thought we made a fair fist of it in the first half against all the elements and thought we were in decent shape. Our organisation was good, United weren’t creating too many chances. But United, on the night, deserved to win. They just had a little bit more power and pace. We weren’t able to ask enough questions of them in the second half.”