Match Report: Manchester United 3-1 Middlesbrough
Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Nani ensuring a smooth passage to the 4th round of the Carling Cup, but the magnificent performance by Manchester United's second string was ruined by an awful foul - possibly the most brutal ever seen on a football pitch - by Emanuel Pogatetz on rising star Rodrigo Possebon.
The foul - which really ought to be referred to as ABH - completely overshadowed what was, to that point, a glowing first team debut by the young Brazilian who was probably the best player on the pitch. His team-mates managed to recover from the dreadful sight of their team-mate assaulted in such a manner to secure the win.
Ronaldo, on his first start since returning from injury, rose to convert a Ryan Giggs corner - a goal that was just reward for some superb early pressing with the entire United front 6 shining. United took their foot off the pedal but still were impressive, although Adam Johnson's lovely shot equalled things up after the break for Boro.
However a great occasion for what was admittedly a poorly represented Old Trafford turned horribly sour when Pogatetz lunged at Possebon, making no attempt to play the ball, only to maim his opponent. It is no exaggeration of sentiment to say Possebon was the ringleader of the impressive United display, and to witness the barbaric challenge was heartbreaking for any viewer.
United inspired themselves afterwards with the desire to win for their injured team mate, and were duly rewarded when Ryan Giggs broke free through the middle to roll back the years and score a classy chip over the keeper - in the process ensuring he has scored in every season he has played for his boyhood club, 18 in all.
Anderson at this point had upped his performance to about the 15th gear in order to secure some kind of vilification, and Nani ensured a deserved victory when he rounded the Boro keeper and tapped in the third - and promptly pointed to the dressing room in dedication to his crocked team mate.
United ensured passage through to the 4th round and will now have somewhat of an re-kindled interest in winning this trophy in particular - but the result will take a backseat to forthcoming news of Possebon's injury and Pogatetz's surely inevitable lengthy ban.
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Source:(Yolkie)