James Ducker and George Caulkin
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Sir Alex Ferguson would like everyone to believe that Manchester United’s young players are as good as those being cultivated by Arsène Wenger at Arsenal, but there was little evidence of that being the case at Old Trafford last night.
For the second season running, United were eliminated in the early stages of the Carling Cup by a Coca-Cola Championship side as Coventry City took full advantage of the home team’s youth and naivety to book their place in the fourth round with a thoroughly deserved 2-0 victory.
A goal in either half from Michael Mifsud, a former Maltese Sports Personality of the Year who earned the nickname of “mosquito” by virtue of the fact that he is always buzzing around, ensured that there was a nasty sting in the tail for Ferguson. The Coventry striker would even have had a hat-trick, but somehow fired wide after Stephen Hughes’s free kick was spilt in the 82nd minute.
It was United’s worst result in the competition at Old Trafford since they lost 3-0 to York City in September 1995, but even allowing for the 11 changes Ferguson made to the team who defeated Chelsea 2-0 on Sunday, there was little to excuse such a sorry showing.
The defeat may not have been as humiliating as that suffered at the hands of Southend United last season, when Ferguson fielded a much stronger side, but there was barely a single positive for the manager to take from a game watched by 74,055 fans.
“I was flabbergasted by our performance,” Ferguson said. “There was no mitigation. These are all young players we have shown great hope in and have trumpeted in a loud way in recent years. It was a big shock to us all. We were second to every ball. Over the 90 minutes we were disappointing, but I have to give the young players a chance so it was no surprise to see us ring the changes.”
Whatever United’s failings, though, it was hard not to be impressed by Coventry, who, willed on by 11,000 travelling supporters, were as disciplined as they were determined, and in Mifsud had the game’s outstanding player. Incredible to think that he has yet to start a league match this season.
“Tim Flowers [the assistant manager] gave him the nickname because he buzzes around and can be a little pest,” Iain Dowie, the Coventry manager, said. “His pace can sometimes be a hindrance because he rushes his shots, but he is getting calmer with his finishing. They set the standard tonight.”
Avram Grant had to suffer Chelsea supporters continuing to chant the name of José Mourinho, but the new manager emerged with a smile last night as the holders claimed a comfortable 4-0 victory away to Hull City, the Championship side.
Roman Abramovich was not at the KC Stadium to witness it, but Chelsea progressed to the fourth round courtesy of goals from Scott Sinclair and Steve Sidwell — their first strikes for the club — and a pair from Salomon Kalou. “I’m happy with the result and the performance,” Grant said.
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Iain Dowie cannot ignore the Mosquito any longer. He cannot leave brilliant Michael Mifsud on the bench any longer. He's by the far the most gifted player he has in his team. Mifsud showed great technique against one of the top keepers in the Premiership with two extremely well taken goals. He could easily have scored a couple more but I'm sure he gladly settled for two at the Theatre of Dreams, on the biggest night of his career yet. Well done Michael. You did us proud and keep it up.
Ray Calleja, San Gwann, Malta
It was not a pair from Kolu. The first was clearly an own goal. When will players stop claiming goals thery did not score? It is yet another form of cheating in the modern game just like diving and claiming throws/corners when you know your side touched the ball last.
Roger Tilbury, Worthing, England
Wait for it, all the excuses about never wanting to win this will start seeping out of old trafford over the next few days.....
I also like the fact that this shows up uniteds reserves for what they are and i think trumpton utd now have better youth players.
Matt G, Gillingham, Dorset
Michael Mifsud with his ability shown should be with a Premier League Club definetely!!
It's a waste of talent leaving him in 1st Division, he's champions league material, similar speed as Oba Oba Martins and dribbling and shooting similar to Michael Owen!!
Don't you agree?
CoNrAd, t, Malta
keep it up michael ... we're proud of you!
we hope to see some of your goals with the national team against hungary and moldova
tanya - malta
tgravina, Malta,
Michael Mifsud, showed that football scouts should not underestimate the potential talent even in the smallest of countries.
Well done Michael. keep it up.
martin sacco, slieam, malta
I have been watching Man Utd since 1956 and I have to say I was in the crowd yesterday at Old Trafford and this was the worst Man U team that has pulled on a red shirt I have ever seen. How Man U can force fans to pay to watch this rubbish I do not know, because on putting out teams as bad as this they cannot justify it. Very Disgruntled.
Harry Blake, Manchester, England
Great game by `Mosquito`. I am Maltese, and live in Brazil, and Michael made us proud. With such performances, he has a 1st eleven place in any Premier League club here in Brazil !!!
Steve Cachia, Curitiba - PR, BRAZIL
Another sieways snipe at the Carling Cup from Ferguson ..... does anyone really believe that he is interested in Man United being in this 3rd class competition,
keith sutherland, Salies de bearn, France
Chelsea are a club in a mess, Man Utd and Liverpool are inconsistent. Before the season nobody, myself included gave Arsenal a prayer for the league this season. However, the Gunners are showing form, strength in depth and most importantly are playing well and winning convincingly. Only a fool would still dismiss their chances of being top of the pile come May. It has been said that Liverpool have two good players in every position but, the recent injury to Daniel Agger with only the aging Sami Hyypia for cover has shown that they lack depth at centre back, something that arguably cost Chelsea the title last year and could seriously hinder the Red's chances this season. Man Utd were fortunate winners last season and even despite their summer signings I can't see them winning again this season. Giggs, Neville and Scholes are all aging and Ferdinand isn't exactly Mr Consistent these days. They've also lost Heinze and Solksjaer and Saha is injury prone. This could be Arsenal's year.
Chris Healy, Guildford, Surrey UK
SAF can sniff a tenth title with the disarray at Chelsea he doesn't want to be distracted by the fizzy pop cup.Yes he may appear flabbergasted but deep down he's quite pleased.I also think if Manu do the Prem and /or the champions league it will be adios Sir Alex.
Nick Dixon, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands
Coventry were awesome and this will be a hard one for the other United players watching to swallow (beaten in their own back yard). Deserved win and the support by the travelling supporters made me proud to be a Coventry fan, roll on the draw for the next round.
Alan Malik, Coventry, UK
Though I am a keen United supporter I must admit that my heart was with the great talent displayed by Coventry leading playmaker Mifsud in United defeat by minnows Coventry
Austin, Mrsa, Malta
Michael made us Maltese very proud and this will definetly make him the best ever Maltese player in football history. Thanks Michael we are all waiting for you so that when you come to Malta, we'll give you a wonderful welcome.
John Zammit, Sliema., Malta
When United field a young team and change eleven players,are the ticket prices the same as if they fielded the 'real' eleven.
G.parker, Auckland , New Zealand