Midweek Roundup (26 Oct 2006)

It was a close call for ManUtd as we scraped past a valiant Crewe Alexandra to advance to the next round of the Carling Cup. We were almost headed for penalties before debutant Lee scored the winner in extra-time to save us the blushes.

However, before anyone panicked and set off the alarms, allow me to assure you that everything is fine. To struggle is expected as we had 6 youngsters in the Starting XI and the remaining 5 first team players who are on the road to full recovery. The 3 subs that we used subsequently were also reserves which would mean that we were never in danger. Otherwise, Fergie would have thrown in first team players at the critical moment to bail us out.

So there. It's all good on the Manchester front.

To be honest, I would rather this be a tight game than a 5-0 rout. A stroll in the park does nothing to aid players like Heinze, Silvestre and Smith as far as their match fitness is concerned.

As for the debutants, nothing beats them going through a baptism of fire than a match that pushes them a notch higher. Granted that a proper EPL or ECL match would make an even better baptism of fire, let's just say that the Carling Cup is a slightly softer and more controlled approach that would help prevent anybody getting burnt (no pun intended) in case it gets too hot in the kitchen.

We will be playing away again to Southend United on November 7/8 in the Fourth Round. Hopefully, things will get a little bit smooth en route to the finals.

Looking at the immediate future, the key players were well rested ahead of the clash against Bolton Wanderers this weekend. This will be a match between a team with the best scoring record and a team with the best defensive record.

More to come in the next Weekend Outlook.

Stay tuned.