Man Utd League Cup Final wins
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History shows United struggle at Wembley
It’s cup final week, and on Sunday afternoon Manchester United and Southampton will go toe-to-toe at Wembley to decide this season’s first piece of silverware.
Jose Mourinho’s crew beat Hull City in the semi-finals, courtesy of a 3-2 aggregate score. That was to be expected, but ended perhaps a little closer than anyone in red would have hoped. Opponents Southampton were rather more convincing, shocking Liverpool to dump them out and claim their place in the last-two.
Manchester United are hot-favourites to win the match in 90-minutes, and lift the trophy aloft, again. The Red Devils have won this honour four times in the past, making them the tournament’s fourth most successful side. Victory on Sunday would see them move above Chelsea and Aston Villa into second, behind Liverpool, who have won it eight times.
Can they do it? Coral traders have a United win priced as 4/5 jollies going into the week. We take a look at the four previous times they have etched their name onto the trophy, and what pointers can be taken for Sunday.
Man Utd vs Nottingham Forest, 1992
Back when Forest were a very different side to the one we know now, United had to roll up their sleeves and grind out the win, thanks to a goal from Brian McClair. The Scottish attacking midfielder got his side in front early in the game, picking up a pass from Ryan Giggs, who had surged forward with the ball. A sweet left foot shot gained his team-mates the winners medal.
Man Utd vs Wigan, 2006
Played at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, The Red Devils had an easier time of it on this occasion, battering Wigan 4-0. A double from man of the match Wayne Rooney, including the opener on 33-minutes, was enhanced by goals from Louis Saha and Cristiano Ronaldo. Ryan Giggs was again involved in a side including Van der Sar and Ferdinand.
Man Utd vs Tottenham, 2009
Another final at Wembley, and another day where United struggled to get the desired result, ending 0-0 with locals Tottenham after 90-minutes. Not one for the fans, and certainly not for the Spurs fans, as the teams played out a goalless day before Sir Alex Ferguson guided his men to a 4-1 win on penalties over Harry Redknapp’s boys. Giggs, Tevez, Ronaldo and Anderson scored, while O’Hara and Bentley fluffed for Spurs.
Man Utd vs Aston Villa, 2010
Wembley, and plenty of hard work from United needed to get the result, and successfully defend the title. Fergie’s final League Cup success too, and it was achieved with a fight back, after falling behind to a James Milner penalty early in the match. Michael Owen levelled up shortly after, before Rooney had the final say. Ryan Giggs missed out with a broken arm.
