Crewe 0 v 3 Manchester United

Gresty Road, Crewe
26th October 2004

Manchester United second-string managed to progress into the next round of the Carling Cup, where they will meet Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.

Tim Howard got a new chance to prove he's the best keeper at the club, though is unlikely to push carroll out (at least until Carroll has signed his new contract!) whilst there were some new look full-backs - Eric DD and Kieran Richardson both dropping back from their midfield duties to help rest the first-choice back-four. Brown was captain, and has apparently been told he has a future at the club, prompting new contract talks.

Ronaldo was rested, but Smith and Saha tokk their chances upfront, and with Smith on this form, its clear we won't miss Van Nistelrooy that much whilst hes out suspended.

The game was effecively wrapped up after 10 minutes. Having hit the bar twice in as many minutes, the ball was played across to Smith, who smashd the ball into the bottom corner from just inside the box. With United dominating play it was unlikely that Crewe would get anything in the game.

Just after half-time United grabbed their second and third, one after some neat footwork saw Miller through on goal, and one was an own-goal from a ball played into the box.

This winning margin allowed fergie to throw on his youngsters, with 17 year old Pique getting in on the action, and performing brilliantly. Expect more from him in the years to come!

Overall a good result in a meaningless match, but at least it keeps our momentum going.

Crewe: Williams, Otsemobor, Billy Jones (Walker 85), Foster, Tonkin, Lunt, Sorvel (Rivers 63), Cochrane, Vaughan, Ashton, Steve Jones (White 68).
Subs Not Used: Ince, Mark Roberts.

Man Utd: Howard, Richardson, Brown, O'Shea (Gerard Pique 67), Djemba-Djemba, Miller, Fletcher (Eagles 78), Kleberson, Bellion (Ebanks-Blake 85), Smith, Saha.

Subs Not Used: Spector, Ricardo.
Booked: Smith.
Goals: Smith 10, Miller 57, Foster 59 og.

Att: 10,103
Ref: M Messias (S Yorkshire).