Perfect pairing for Cup's Golden Jubilee
Posted by Syimah Saturday, 27 February 2010 10:14
Villa, who beat Rotherham United over two legs to win the inaugural competition in 1960/61, have won the League Cup five times compared to United's three, with one of those coming against United in 1994.
With both teams doing well in the Premier League, their presence at Wembley Stadium could make the Golden Jubilee final a memorable one, especially if United manager Sir Alex Ferguson selects in-form Wayne Rooney to start.Rooney was on the sidelines when United beat Tottenham Hotspur on penalties to win last season's final, and is currently in a blistering run of form, scoring 19 goals in his last 19 matches, and 27 in all this season.
Ferguson, however, implied Rooney might have to be content with a place on the bench as he considers the team to win the 44th major trophy of his career. United have other targets besides the League Cup.
His choice has been hampered by a spate of injuries and he will be unable to select Rio Ferdinand (back), Ryan Giggs (broken arm), or Brazilian midfielder Anderson, who was ruled out for the rest of the season after rupturing a cruciate ligament in Tuesday's 3-0 win over West Ham United.
Asked about his team selection on Thursday, Ferguson told reporters at a news briefing: "I'm thinking about the younger ones."
Villa manager Martin O'Neill's name is always close to the top of the list when the discussion turns to the eventual successor to 68-year-old Ferguson at United, and victory over them tomorrow would enhance his chances if he was interested in the job.
O'Neill has his eye on a Wembley double after his side beat Crystal Palace 3-1 on Wednesday to secure an FA Cup quarter-final against Reading next weekend.
He is seeking his third victory as a coach in the League Cup after guiding Leicester City to success in 1997 and 2000 as well as losing the final in 1999.Reuters
