FA Cup wrap: United beat City in thriller

Manchester United held off City’s spirited, 10-man fight-back to move into the fourth round of the FA Cup.

A brace from Wayne Rooney with a tremendous volley by Danny Welbeck sent the visitors into a stunning 3-0 lead in the first half, with City captain Vincent Kompany sent off for a challenge on Nani.

But Roberto Mancini’s side roared back with 10 men after the break and goals from Aleksandar Kolarov and Sergio Aguero brought them agonisingly close to an incredible comeback.

United were boosted by the shock return from retirement of midfielder Paul Scholes, who took his place on the bench.

Rooney has had a disappointing few weeks to say the least but he looked ominously sharp early.

Antonio Valencia, so often the Englishman’s partner in crime since his return from injury this season, found some space on the right and fired in a first-time cross that Rooney headed home from 10 yards.

City’s hopes took a more devastating hit minutes later.

Referee Chris Foy’s decision to send off Vincent Kompany for a challenge on Nani will ignite debate and divide opinions.

The Belgian defender appeared to win the ball but flew into his tackle with two feet. City manager Roberto Mancini confirmed later that the club would appeal the red card.

City responded strongly with Sergio Aguero curling in a shot that Anders Lindegaard did well to palm around his post.

United doubled their lead when Patrice Evra, attacking James Milner down the left, sent a low cross into the City box after Nani’s run inside left him with room to manoeuvre.

When that ball hit a leg and flew into the air, Welbeck reacted the quickest with a tremendous volley on the turn that sailed past City’s Costel Pantilimon.

Ferguson’s side were by no means content to see the game out with the security of a two-goal lead.

Welbeck had Richards and Kolarov for company when Giggs’ pass slipped him into the City penalty area but some neat footwork drew a clear foul from the latter.

Foy had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, and after his penalty was well-saved, Rooney reacted well to head home the rebound.

Kolarov made up for the error that led to the United penalty by pulling a goal back in the 48th minute.

After Richards’ charging run forward was ended prematurely by Evra, the Serbian curled the resulting free-kick over the wall and beyond Lindegaard.

Ferguson was confident enough to introduce the returning Scholes on the hour mark, but one of his first touches was not the finest of his illustrious career.

The 37-year-old weighted a simple pass from a throw-in incorrectly, allowing the tireless Milner to steal in.

His cross found Aguero, who put City on the verge of a remarkable comeback by poking home the rebound in the 64th minute after Lindegaard had saved his initial effort.

More to follow …