Back in the 80s Carling was an entirely different company. Their beer was invariably connected to superhuman feats of derring do in absolutely fantastic adverts such this one.
And, in an act of foresight quite improbable, they even managed to include an early Ben Foster in this one.
Today, the beer now hides behind the shiny gloss of 21st Century marketing but there are those of us who recall when it was associated with being a bit of a legend.
The association between Carling and legends is alive and well though. What a fantastic keeper Ben Foster is. The last time United really tested him he came off the bench two seasons ago, and did fine well, but to recover from the injury lay-off he has had is phenomenal. What a performance.
United came out of the traps flying in this game but we ran out of puff pretty quickly. There hasn't really been the cutting edge of last season all this term and it showed again today. In my head I have been saying that this is down to the fixture pile-up (and I believe that it is) but these games are not going to go away just because we are tired.
All in all, you have to give the best chances of the game to Spurs, and were it not for our third choice goalie the trophy would be in London now. It isn't, and Ferguson's haul of trophies is now somewhere in the gajillions.
The reality is though, a team near the bottom of the Premier League took us to penalties in a cup final. I don’t think for a second that Spurs should be where they are in the league but if we can’t break them down in two hours what on earth are we going to do with Inter?
We have a lot of tired players at the moment, Evra, Ronaldo, Scholes, Ferdinand and Tevez all played the full 120 minutes. Will it cost us down the line? I am not sure.
Comments
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Posted by wild3jeff on 03/02/2009
That is what big teams are for: they qualify for, and compete in as many competitions as possible, and do it all over again.
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Posted by Jeremy on 03/02/2009
I think Sir Alex has the boys focused on being the greatest club in the history of soccer. Carling Cup, League championship, Champions League, and FA Cup title. How many clubs can say that? Rafael has played well, so has Wellcott, they still have Neville to throw in there to give the defense a break. This club trains hard and i believe you can see that every game they play. They may have had problems finishing against Inter, but they dominated them and should have won the match. Never doubt a champion till they are out of it!!!
GO MAN U!!!!!!!
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Posted by Ryan on 03/02/2009
You're forgetting that neither Berba nor Rooney played, and that Tevez couldn't be bothered, and a nervous Welbeck was replaced with a midfielder. It was hardly out strongest side. Vidic didn't even start.
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Posted by Jeevs on 03/03/2009
Well, we can pretty much put in a whole new side against. VDS, fabio (give him a shot!), vidic, O'shea, Neville, Giggs, Carrick, Anderson, Park, Berbatov, Rooney. Good enough to win i think. And then we will be raring for inter! At home we can win I hope. Tevez should get the start
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Posted by D on 03/03/2009
How many sides have prevented you from scoring twice in past couple of months? And who would have expected a team with such a leaky defence as Spurs to accomplish this? True, you won the FA Cup game, but it was clear that 'arry wasn't interested in one more cup run, with relegation battle in mind.
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Posted by John on 03/03/2009
Hey Jeremy, i fully agree in ur comments about how focus the boys are on the remaining trophies.. but just a small blip from u.. since when was walcott (wellcott as spelt by u) playing for man u ? i guess u meant welbeck rite ?
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Posted by Mark on 03/03/2009
Jeremy its Wellbeck not Wellcott you numbskull.
And yes, a big squad is needed for a big season. Foster for England!
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Posted by srikant on 03/03/2009
I love to u man u match.
Cristiano Ronaldo is my best player.
I love u Ronaldo.
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Posted by cliffy on 03/03/2009
Sick of MAN U saying they did not field
a strong team. Spurs did not have Keane,
Defoe, Woodgate, Palacios.
Spurs tired Man Utd. out and not sure if
they have enough gas to win 3 more trophy,s.
And why was O'Shea not sent off for that 2nd
tackle on Modric?
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Posted by Tony on 03/03/2009
Spurs were also without many of their best players, namely Keane, Defoe, Palacios, and Woodgate.
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Posted by Pretty on 03/03/2009
Just one beaten either by Liverpool again or Inter and there you go.Come on Mourinho! Come on Rafa. A shell shock!!
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Posted by alsan on 03/03/2009
I miss watching rooney and tevez upfront. the way they have terrorised defenders are such a joy to watch. Yes Berba is a class player but the understanding between rooney and tevez is unmatched. Hail Hail Man Utd
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Posted by Walshsky on 03/03/2009
Well stated Cliffy. Spurs were not outplayed and did not start a stronger or full side either. I still maintain that PK's is a crap way to decide any cup Final, but until a better solution is passed we are stuck. Better service into the area and better outlets for Lennon and Modric would have been nice as well. Foster played out of his skull and won that game, it's no wonder SAF would not part with him. Congrats to Man United, Come On You Spurs!
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Posted by Danny on 03/04/2009
I don't think using the Carling Cup performance to predict a forthcoming Champions League performance is at all appropriate.
United started players such as Danny Welbeck and Darron Gibson for key starters Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov. Wayne Rooney didn't start. Nemanja Vidic didn't start. However, we still had a more quality side than Tottenham, the penalty kicks clearly proved that.
More important than the lineups, though, is the atmosphere of the Carling Cup Final. While a prestigious event in England, the atmosphere doesn't rival the Champions League. To say that United values the Champions League more than the Carling Cup is as safe as assuming that United's next home game is at Old Trafford.
I would have to contend too with the assertion that United's team lacks the edge that last year's did. United has shown truly unprecedented resolve in only losing one Carling Cup (atmosphere again) leg to Derby county in almost four months.
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Posted by shayan on 03/04/2009
the scariest thing is, utd have not even hit top gear all season .. i wonder if they will need to at all this season.> BUT I HOPE THEY DO..
and Foster is a decent gk. Nowhere near deserving all the praise dumped on him. Yes he was instrumental in our victory and made good saves but their are lots of parts of his game that are lacking, particularly the lack of cohesion with him and our defence. he rushes out way to much like Kuzcek.
GLORY GLORY MAN UTD
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Posted by kheng on 03/04/2009
shayan:
He certainly does rush out quite abit, but he collects the balls in the air ever so comfortably and punches them clear of danger with power and accuracy. He's confident, cool headed and collected when doing so. So I don't see the problem there. As for kuz, he fumbles at times and doesn't look so confident when called upon. To be honest, it scares me whenever he starts. Well, my nightmare was fulfilled when he was 'responsible' for the conceding of ManU's 1st goal in 13 matches?(can't rmb) If anything, I feel that both Foster and Kuz needa work on their communication with the defence, but of course that comes with playing time together.
In regards to reflexes and reaction saves, I believe Foster's top notch. It really is more about gaining more experience at the moment I feel, in time to come, I can only see him as a first team regular for the greatest team ever, Man Utd (:
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Posted by rabiu on 03/04/2009
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Posted by babs on 03/04/2009
I like the analysis of the Carling cup game. United did not play to standard level, and were not co-ordinated upfront. The final balls to Gomes were weak, and he did not make any spectacular save to merit our pedigree.
However, I think the man united approach to the game was second class. The team wasn't ready to give its all, and the unusual composure of Fergusson all night justified that. We weren't commiting the legs and bodies where necessary, so it is fair to assume that the team will step up for premiership and champions league games.
The combination of Tevez and Rooney remains lethal, and I can agree that we are yet to reach last seasons tempo. With a super defence line, our below par performance had been grossly compensated. Thanks to Ferdy and company. I still believe we need to steady the middle to reach last seasons form, as the incessant changes to players explains the lack of goals. Ronaldo needs to step up too, he was the man of last season! Then we'll be fine!!!!
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Posted by john armstrong on 03/04/2009
Mark I really enjoy reading your stuff. I read all the EPL correspondents on soccernet and feel you are the (and NOT because your a red)best of the lot. I know you are not here to be a cheerleader but why so negative? You had United dropping the league because of the record vs the big four and what are they going to do with Inter? Well, I figure run them into the pitch like the did 10 days ago in Italy, only score a few this time. Keep up the good work buddy. And be positive man.
John
Canada
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Posted by Jaya on 03/04/2009
just because Man U are not scoring as much as last season does not mean they are not doing well. They are top scoring the league with chelsea. The team feels more cohesive this time around. I believe its definately possible they will take remaining 3 cups. The Carling Final was of course dominated by tottenham. But how do you campare a team fighting for relegation and in contention of only one cup, with a team in contention of winning it all. Who will have more drive and need? I like seeing history created, in addition to the fact that i'm a MANu fan. i hope they win it all this season.
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Posted by Mark Payne on 03/05/2009
Thanks for the kind words John. I am not being negative as such, but over the years I have learnt to live with United's habit of, shall we say, making us suffer a bit.
I remain hopeful we can win the cups the league, and even Miss World and the Monaco grand prix but. A big 'but'. We will be murdered by our rival's fans if we celebrate to early. That kind of attitude would make us positively Liverpudlian.
It is important to be humble and level headed until the final ball is kicked.
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Posted by Jonathan Charles on 03/05/2009
To me it was obvious that Manchester was not paying too much attention to this cup final. Their performance proved it. Spurs knew this was their only chance for a trophey this season, so they fought tooth and nail. That is the only reason it ended up even in the end. If it were any other game, it would have been over as a contest by half time. Manchester United will win the league, but the FA cup and Champions league are going to be tough, but they are still favoured for them both. How many teams have ever been so favoured to win all the titles a season after having such great success?
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Posted by Jordan on 03/05/2009
I feel it is very evident that United had truly declared themselves as the top football club in Europe. With Rooney and Giggs back the quad is not far away. Also with additions such as Raphael and Evans the future of united will bring similar results.
UNITED UNITED UNITED UNITED UNITED UNITED UNITED
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Posted by RobtheRed on 03/05/2009
I think the writer is forgetting that Inter is also having "blips" of their own..... they are showing signs of tiredness now, and having to play at old trafford, well, we'll see which team is the most "tired" of the two......
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Posted by Cyrus on 03/05/2009
Man U has always seen all trophies, I wonder what the will ever miss to Win in the World
Its the team of the Nobs
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Posted by Cyrus on 03/05/2009
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Posted by zidane momin on 03/05/2009
expectations are always high when it comes to the fans,but they respect other rivals too and know well about rival power.so i don't think any1 is celebrating now but just preparing for what might create history in football world.
i m a football fan and i really enjoy watching man united because nobody knows when the goal is coming but it always seem to be coming soon.
HOPE MAN UNITED CREATE HISTORY
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Posted by Anthony on 03/06/2009
Man U has what it takes to bag all trophies this season coz this is the best squad ever at Old Trafford. Go Man u
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Posted by Dustin Harry on 03/06/2009
We had the B squad out there. What worries me is the lack luster showing against Newcastle. I am desperately hoping they get relegated, but in any sense we should of had a 6 goal pounding like we did last year.
As far as Inter are concerned. We were unlucky not to come away with a 3 or 4 nil win. Ronny missed 3 good chances, as well as Giggs and Rooney adding to my frustration as a fan. I believe we will pull it out against Inter, but I don't believe one goal will do it. Berba, Ronny, Rooney, and i pray Giggs will get it done.
And lets to Man U, we need a victory this weekend over Fulham, and against Liverpool. We need to redeem ourselves, and put on a show.
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Posted by Phiona Uganda on 03/06/2009
Man united God its the best club on planet, u know in my country its pretty hard to find a gal supporting football but. I started supporting united wen i was 14 now am 22, The club is a bomb every one is scared of them.
They a Gonna win them trophies this year.
Just wait u will see wat will happen on inter.
They r Jockin
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Posted by Joseph Mamman on 03/07/2009
United is not only united as the name implies but blessed by the Almighty.
The major rift ahead of us now is the game against Inter which i believe is going to be a cracker judging from the days of Mourinho in chelsea. Please appropriate measures have to be taken in winning that match to avoid disappointments and breakdown in morales of players.
God bless manchester and forever we remain UNITED.
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Posted by Adonis on 03/08/2009
GO RED DEVILS!
Accept my comment from down here in Zimbabwe where I would like to praise God for the mere existance of a team called Man U.During these trying times in Zim,most of us find comfort in the results we get from Man U games.It pleases the heart and mind to associate with champions and I pray that even if the players don't match Inter on wednesday, the Lord will intervene on OUR side.
GOD LOVES THE DEVILS!
GO MAN U, GO ROONEY,RONALDO,TEVEZ,SEKURU GIGGS,MADHARA SCHOLES, SENIOR FERDIE AND........
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Posted by bleuzmas in Taipei on 03/08/2009
All yee ManUnited followers, rest assured that the lads are going to give 101% to make it a quint. To me this is more a grand slam of all sports. Now that they rolled over the cottage, let's keep our fingers crossed that their rampage continue and we should be enjoying a pizza milano come Wednesday super time.
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Posted by Plutonian on 03/08/2009
I wouldn't say that Man Utd is the best team in the world on paper, but what Ferguson has done is really splendid. It was Ferguson who string together a group of very hardworking players, and make them play as a team called Man United. Almost most of the Man Utd team doesnt get any transfer speculation except Tevez and Ronaldo, which really is what makes Man Utd special. They have a group of players who doesn't really interest other clubs, but when grouped together become so devastating.
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Posted by USMANUMAN on 03/09/2009
I agree with the author. MANU must stay level headed. As the saying goes, we can't count our chickens before they hatch, that woule be pre-mature, and our rivals would jump at the chance to shove that down our throats at every opportunity. I believe they have the will power and tenacity to accomplish what needs to be done. But as I stated before, stay level headed and focused, and SAF is just the man for that job.
GO MAN U!!!!!
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Posted by shawn on 03/09/2009
SAF certainly deserves the credit for stringing such a strong and dedicated team together. However, I was wondering if his insistence on Berbatov ahead of Tevez has upset the balance of United's frontline. Berbatov is a class act, outstanding first touch, good vision, height but his lack of speed and apparent unwillingness to drive at defenders runs in the face of United strategy which is to "counter and counter fast". For me, Tevez ahead of Berba against Inter. And if United had only 32 mils to spend, I would choose Tevez in a heartbeat.
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Posted by Goddy ETUK on 03/10/2009
Geat UNited, never be distracted by their noises, lets concentrate. One game at a time, face them as they come. So they said, SPURS will win the Carling Trophy, and it was against their prayers, again they come FULHAm will extinghuish our FA Cup Dreams, now we are at the SEMIS, we have herad alot of NOISE about the Game on Wednesday with INTER, but the end of 90 mins shall tell better. GLORY! GLORY!! GLORY!!! UNITED shall ever wax stronger.
Posted by Matei on 05/25/2011
You've hit the ball out the park! Increibdle!
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Mark Payne writes about football for a variety of media outlets. He reported on the 2010 World Cup for Australia’s ABC network and worked at one of the FIFA fan sites. He has been ESPN’s Manchester United correspondent for four years. His writing attracts a worldwide following and in 2011 this blog was nominated for an award. To contact Mark for football discussion e-mail him on markpayne.editor@hotmail.com at any time. He wears lucky socks on match days.
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