Lustre of the Carling Cup finally restored
The long lost magic of the Carling Cup was restored last week in spectacular fashion as round two of the Manchester derby came to a pulsating conclusion. For years, the top Premiership teams have been fielding second string, and youth team sides in the competition. Initially this was derided by the media as a blatant disrespect for this trophy, but since the teams in question carried on regardless, it soon became an accepted part of the modern game.
Perhaps the demise in importance of this cup is down to it’s lack of identity; by this I mean it is renamed in accordance with it’s sponsor. In the 1980’s, teams could win the Milk Cup, later it was the Worthington Cup, and this year, the winners will lift the Carling Cup. In contrast, the highly esteemed F.A. Cup retains its name year after year, a fact that adds to it’s prestige.
Two factors were primarily responsible for making this year’s much anticipated semi-final what it was. I honestly believe that if Manchester City had not undergone their billion dollar revolution, bringing in the players they did, and acquiring overnight similar ambitions to their nearest neighbours, this game would not have been as important to United. Their pride meant they simply had to deny their bitter rivals their first trophy in 27 years, regardless of the priority this competition had in their overall season.
Secondly, with Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement surely imminent, I am sure he is keen the install as many trophies in the United cabinet as he can before he hands over to his successor. Just how he continues to inspire such performances from an aging, often uninspiring (since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo) team, is nothing short of incredible. Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes both rolled back the years when it really mattered, and City proved again that their defence, although improved under Roberto Mancini, is still not capable of coping with the top teams and best premiership players.
Granted, I would have preferred a City versus Aston Villa final; a battle of two teams desperate to break into the top four and establish themselves as trophy-winning entities would have been fascinating. United just had to spoil the party. I don’t believe they will squander the chance now; they so rarely lose finals. Martin O’Neill must be cursing his luck. His hard-working outfit could’ve put City to bed had they performed to their optimum, but now I fear United will pluck the cup from their grasp.
This gripe aside, I cannot complain about the season’s tournament. I have never felt such excited anticipation before a League Cup game as I did prior to the second leg between United and City. The in-game atmosphere was electric to the point I could have believed I was watching a Champions League tie between the two. It is a shame missiles were thrown at Craig Bellamy, but I suppose this also demonstrates the passion involved this time around. Long may it continue.
Mike Dicker
