Ronaldo double sends United through
28 January 2008, 03:33
By Mitch Philips
London - Two goals from irrepressible midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo helped Manchester United to a 3-1 home win over 10-man Tottenham Hotspur in an entertaining FA Cup fourth-round tie on Sunday.
United, FA Cup winners a record 11 times, trailed to an early Robbie Keane goal but Carlos Tevez equalised and Ronaldo put them ahead from the penalty spot in the 69th minute and finished things off two minutes from time with the 25th goal of his remarkable season.
Manchester City, however, were knocked out when they lost 2-1 at Championship (second division) Sheffield United, to leave a record low six Premier League teams among the 16 that go into Monday's fifth-round draw after none of the fourth-round ties went to a replay.
Spurs, without a win at Old Trafford since 1989, went ahead after 24 minutes when winger Aaron Lennon's low cross was turned in from point-blank range by Keane.
United upped the pressure and it was no surprise when Tevez drove in the equaliser seven minutes before halftime.
Jermaine Jenas missed a great chance for Spurs before the game turned when a 70-metre free kick by goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was handled by Michael Dawson as he wrestled with Wayne Rooney.
Dawson was sent off, Ronaldo dispatched the penalty and the winger added his second with a low shot under Radek Cerny, but only after Spurs had hit the post.
"It was a fantastic Cup tie, end to end and open," United manager Alex Ferguson told Sky Sports.
"I think we edged it in possession but Tottenham had the best chances but didn't take them and I'm pleased to be in the next round, it's a relief."
Assistant Spurs manager Gus Poyet also rued the missed opportunities. "We had to score the second and not try to hold on," he said. "Unfortunately we couldn't and they equalised but even then we had a great chance before they scored the second."
Luton Shelton gave Sheffield United a 12th-minute lead against City when some drifting balloons brought by City fans caused mayhem in the visiting defence.
Jonathan Stead got the second 12 minutes later and, though eighteen-year-old substitute Daniel Sturridge pulled one back with his first touch of the season three minutes into the second half, the Blades held out.
In Sunday's other game Cardiff City won 2-1 at Hereford.
Among Saturday's games minor league Havant and Waterlooville twice led Liverpool at Anfield before losing 5-2, holders Chelsea won 2-1 at Wigan Athletic and Arsenal beat Newcastle United 3-0.
London - Two goals from irrepressible midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo helped Manchester United to a 3-1 home win over 10-man Tottenham Hotspur in an entertaining FA Cup fourth-round tie on Sunday.
United, FA Cup winners a record 11 times, trailed to an early Robbie Keane goal but Carlos Tevez equalised and Ronaldo put them ahead from the penalty spot in the 69th minute and finished things off two minutes from time with the 25th goal of his remarkable season.
Manchester City, however, were knocked out when they lost 2-1 at Championship (second division) Sheffield United, to leave a record low six Premier League teams among the 16 that go into Monday's fifth-round draw after none of the fourth-round ties went to a replay.
Spurs, without a win at Old Trafford since 1989, went ahead after 24 minutes when winger Aaron Lennon's low cross was turned in from point-blank range by Keane.
United upped the pressure and it was no surprise when Tevez drove in the equaliser seven minutes before halftime.
Jermaine Jenas missed a great chance for Spurs before the game turned when a 70-metre free kick by goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was handled by Michael Dawson as he wrestled with Wayne Rooney.
Dawson was sent off, Ronaldo dispatched the penalty and the winger added his second with a low shot under Radek Cerny, but only after Spurs had hit the post.
"It was a fantastic Cup tie, end to end and open," United manager Alex Ferguson told Sky Sports.
"I think we edged it in possession but Tottenham had the best chances but didn't take them and I'm pleased to be in the next round, it's a relief."
Assistant Spurs manager Gus Poyet also rued the missed opportunities. "We had to score the second and not try to hold on," he said. "Unfortunately we couldn't and they equalised but even then we had a great chance before they scored the second."
Luton Shelton gave Sheffield United a 12th-minute lead against City when some drifting balloons brought by City fans caused mayhem in the visiting defence.
Jonathan Stead got the second 12 minutes later and, though eighteen-year-old substitute Daniel Sturridge pulled one back with his first touch of the season three minutes into the second half, the Blades held out.
In Sunday's other game Cardiff City won 2-1 at Hereford.
Among Saturday's games minor league Havant and Waterlooville twice led Liverpool at Anfield before losing 5-2, holders Chelsea won 2-1 at Wigan Athletic and Arsenal beat Newcastle United 3-0.
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