Manchester United yesterday added yet another acolade to their trophy cabinet, beating Tottenham 4-1 in a penalty shoot-out in the Carling Cup Final '09.
This win is a 24th trophy for Sir Alex in 23 years of management at the Red Devils. Having lifted the Fifa Club World Cup trophy back in December, United's youthful squad were keen to impress, and add another medal to their collection, or start the ball rolling for such talents as Johnny Evans and Danny Welbeck.
In a match which saw 120 minutes of tense action end in stalemate, it was Ben Foster's turn to shine, on just his 7th first team appearance. Ferguson has stuck to his guns throughout this season's competition and the final was to be no different. With some key experience at the center of it all, the youngsters came out and did themselves proud.
With 20 minutes of normal time remaining, Foster was called into his first real piece of action, saving from Aaron Lennon.
The final kick of the 90 was the most dramatic, with Cristiano Ronaldo's thunderous shot rebounding off the post. He was unlucky not to snatch victory for United at the ed of normal time. Ronaldo had had to put behind him the laughable yellow card he received for perceived "diving" earlier. This in fact proved to have been a great shout for a Manchester United penalty, in stark contrast to the opinion of Referee Chris Foy at the time.
It couldn't have been anyone but United legend Ryan Giggs to came the youth of the team, netting the first penalty of the shoot out. Ben Foster then cemented his man of the match performance, saving Jamie O' Hara's kick. Tevez and Ronaldo both converted, so it was now 3-1. Bentley stepped up, and missed the target, rolling wide. It was Anderson who completed the formalities for United in the end.
United can now strive to push on and fight for glory in each of their three remaining competitions this season.
