Forlan The Cup Hero For United (Sky Sports)
Manchester United 1 Chelsea 0
Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink warmed Fabien Barthez' gloves with a
30-yard screamer, before Forlan was presented with another great
chance having dispossessed John Terry, but William Gallas was on hand
to snuff out any danger. Carlo Cudicini had to race from his penalty area and hack clear as Beckham charged forward but the visitors ahould have gone in front when Jody Morris crossed for Enrique de Lucas, who volleyed wide from the corner of the six yard box with Barthez stranded. United responded with a flurry which saw Giggs lob Cudicini only for Mario Melchiot to race back and hook the goalbound attempt away. Silvestre then headed over before Scholes twice went close with 20 yarders from the edge of the box while Zola kept Barthez on his toes with an effort from distance. Both defences were holding firm as the second period got underway with Silvestre and Terry to the fore, but Chelsea were looking lively and Zola was only denied a clear run on goal by Brown's superbly-timed sliding tackle inside the United box. Silvestre had the measure of Hasselbaink as clear chances remained at a premium and the Dutchman made way for Eidur Gudjohnsen 13 minutes from time. But the breakthrough finally came at the Stretford End as Forlan finished with a flourish that would have had Ruud van Nistelrooy nodding with approval from the stands. Chelsea nearly replied almost immediately as Zenden's shot headed
for the corner until Barthez touched it round the post, before Forlan
was inches away from doubling the lead from Beckham's cut-back, but
the Uruguyan had already done enough to enhance his growing reputation
as a match winner.
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