It was the result that everyone, probably even brave Walsall, expected.
Manchester United, with squad players getting a run-out, cruised into the last
16 of the FA Cup without really breaking sweat.
It is 10 years since they lost a home FA Cup tie and manager Alex Ferguson has
never been the victim of a giant-killing in the tournament since he arrived at
Old Trafford.
It was never going to happen here. Walsall were brave, committed, and roared
on by 8,500 fans on a day out they will never forget.
And what they won't forget, too, was the sight of the best team in the country
scoring goals of sheer class, the like of which are rarely seen in the Second
Division.
Had it not been for a masterful display of guts from 'keeper James Walker, and
the woodwork that denied Andy Cole and youngster Michael Clegg, this could have
been really embarrassing.
Thankfully, for Walsall fans at least, it didn't happen and they even managed
what many Premiership teams fail to do - score at Old Trafford.
It came after 72 minutes when Roger Boli headed home a Jean Peron cross, and
as he wheeled away every Walsall player all over the park celebrated by throwing
themselves onto their backs in delight.
United's response to that affront was pretty cruel, however.
Two minutes later
David Beckham slung over a corner from the left and Ronny Johnsen rose to head
home and remind the Midlanders where they were.
Walsall started with great passion, Boli and Peron running at United's defence
and creating more than a little concern for the home side.
John Hodge and Boli both saw long-range efforts thud into Schmeichel's midriff
before Cole set the standard for the afternoon with a clinical finish.
It came after 10 minutes when he received the ball on the edge of the box
before spinning to drive a fine shot into the bottom corner.
United lost Denis Irwin with an ankle problem - Clegg taking over - and Ole
Gunnar Solskjaer was booked for a trip on Boli, who had spent far too much time
practising his forward rolls under pressure from defenders. Referee Paul Durkin
had not been impressed.
Cole almost scored a wonder goal by running 60 yards past five defenders
before Walker managed to deflect the shot wide. However, the second was not long
coming. Brian McClair found Cole, who in turn pushed the ball into Solskjaer's
path for the Norwegian to stab it home from 12 yards.
Boli, a close friend of Eric Cantona, produced a wonderful run and shot from
way out on the left that crashed against the far angle before United scored
twice in three minutes.
Erik Nevland, on for Ben Thornley only a minute earlier, got clean away on the
left. Walker saved at his feet, but Cole took over to run the ball into the six
yard box and slam it home.
Solskjaer was next to be clear on his own after 68 minutes, and he made no
mistake by guiding the ball under Walker.
Boli's fine consolation followed, with Johnsen's header restoring United's
advantage. Clegg and Cole hit the woodwork, but Walsall survived without
conceding any more.
The Saddlers were given a standing ovation from their fans at the end, a day
in a lifetime for many of them - players and supporters alike.
For United though, it was just another day at the office.
Man Utd: Schmeichel, P. Neville, Irwin (Clegg 24), Johnsen,
Beckham, Cole, Berg, McClair, Scholes (Mulryne 69), Solskjaer,
Thornley (Nevland 64).
Subs Not Used: G. Neville, Giggs.
Booked: Solskjaer.
Goals: Cole 10, Solskjaer 39, Cole 65, Solskjaer 69, Johnsen 74.
Walsall: Walker, Evans, Marsh, Viveash, Mountfield,
Peron (Blake 88), Boli, Porter, Keates, Watson, Hodge.
Subs Not Used: Naisbett, Roper, Platt, Ricketts.
Goals: Boli 72.
Att: 54,669
Ref: P A Durkin (Portland).
E-mail Article 
Print-Friendly
Subscribe to RSS Feed 
Post to del.icio.us
Facebook