Manchester United against Burton Albion

Saha(again)loses the ball but Burton just do not have the energy to sustain the break. Mr Saha then has the opportunity to make immediate amends but delivers a terrible pass. Taxi for Louis.

Gary Neville, looking suspiciously offside, opts for a shot in a position when he would normally cross the ball, with predictable results. Something he is unlikely to do on Sunday when United face Liverpool

Burton are being loudly ole'd by their fans. They have contibuted well to tonight's proceedings.

United are almost playing with Burton, knocking the ball around with ease, waiting for the opening. When it comes, unfortunately for the men in red it arrives in the rather pathetic figure of Louis Saha who is muscled off the ball. Which is the sorry story of his night.

Saha runs round Sedgemore and finds Rossi through a crowd of Burton players. Somehow, Rossi still finds the space to get a shot in which Deeney has to scramble across goal to claim.

Rossi shows he can tackle too by dispossessing Sedgemore.

A more justifiable shout for a penalty for the same offence is also turned down at the other end.

Tinson misses a free header but, more interestingly, Burton have a decent shout for a penalty turned down. Did Bardsley handball it? (No actually).

Tinson misses a free header but, more interestingly, Buront have a decent shout for a penalty turned down. Did Bardsley handball it? (No actually).

Gilroy beats Giggs and a ball in from the right nearly brings them a goal. Stride just could not connect with the ball in the six yard box but Burton have to content themselves with a corner.

GGilroy runs at the United defence before Chris Hall tries a shot. Burton will be desperate for the consolation of a goal to remember this trip.

Ferdinand hits it long to Neville and his ball in to the box is almost met by Rossi.

Mr Rossi, step forward. Age and youth combine wonderfully as Rossi delivers an exquisite chip over the Burton defence in to the path of Ryan Giggs. The WElshman does not have to break stride as he rifles in a sweet low shot.

GOAL

Oh dear oh dear, Louis Saha. What are you doing? Once again, he is one on one with the goalkeeper and dithers for a ridiculous amount of time before being strongly tackled. Yet another criminal waste of a goalscoring opportunity which the Frenchman would do well to take.

Ferdinand sprays it out wide to BArdlsey but United are crowded out on the edge of Burton's penalty area.

Ferdinand is playing in midfield. So he can show off those ball playing skills he is so famed for. He could also taunt more Burton players about how much he earns from that position. If he so wished.

Burton are almost visibly tiring. But what's this? Is this a glimmer of hope for The Brewers? Actually it's Gary NEville, Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand coming on. So nothing to worry about.

Pique is penaliosed for leaning all over Burton's defence.

United spread the ball out to the right from where Fletcher hits it long for Saha. Burton are unlucky to concede the corner.

Nigel Clough has lovely eyes doesn't he? Like a sad, dying doe.

Some nice, neat close quarters passing fashions an opening for Burton but their attempted long range shot is closed down quickly.

Burton, bless them, are still pushing forward but Gilroy's cross is straight in to Howard's arms.

Kieran Richardson makes a beautiful run down the left after good work by Rossi and hits an unstoppable long range shot in to the Burton net. That blow to the stomach obviously did him no harm.

GOAL

DOUBLE OUCH!! Pique and Harrad clash heads and it is a toss up to decide who has come off worse.

Ouch! Richaradson gets a knee in his midriff after going in hard for a tackle.

Not for the first time Saha shows poor control to waste what was looking like a promisng position for United.

Silvestre should have been booked for a crude challenge on Hall.

A sprightly looking Rossi attacks down the left, aided by Richardson but the move breaks down. Rossi has done enough so far to suggest a regular Premiership starting place is not too far away.

No changes to report for either side.

The second half kicks off which, incidentally, is being watched by just over 52,000 inside Old Trafford tonight.

United are safe, but Burton have played very well. If they can keep the scoreline as it is they will regard this as a good night's work. It's an unlikely scenario, because United are now playing some good football and seemed to be building with confidence with each passing minute.

HALF TIME

Saha wastes a glorious chance after the ball gets caught behind him with only the goalkeeper to beat, allowing Burton to get back and prevent what should have been United's third.

Solksjaer is starting to look back to his old self in flashes and is at the centre of much of United's good play, linking well with Saha and Rossi up front.

Richardson gets another ball in from the left which Solskjaer just can't connect with.

Another intricate United move breaks down when O'Shea's pass cannot be controlled by Saha.

Solskjaer and Richaradson work together magnigicently to carve open a chance for Rossi and Saha who just can't reach the Norwegian's ball across the six yard box. Diving headers perhaps?

They get the ball in the box and Brown heads it away.

Burton are still trying to play their way out of trouble and do not appear to have given up. Some neat play on the edge of United's box see them spread the ball all over the sodden Old Trafford pitch. Their endeavour wins them a free kick and a chance to get the ball in to the box.

Burton retrieve the ball and Gilroy fends off a couple of United challenges before Bardsley proves too strong a barrier and allows the ball to drift out for a goal kick.

Silvestre hits in a cross which ends up sending Deeney scrambling towards his far post in the Burton goal, which the ball sails harmlessly over.

Rossis is erroneously ruled to be offside and the young striker is also looking good tonight, certainly better than he did in the first leg.

Stride is now booked after clattering in to one rash challenge too many

Richardson is the main danger for United tonight. Most of their good play is coming though the England man.

Gilroy attacks down the left forcing Fletcher to concede another corner. Burton appeal half-heartedly for a penalty after one of their players is shoved but the referee (probably) laughs.

Burton bring theire big men up for a free kick which is well met by Tinson but O'Shea is perfectly positioned to head out. United's midfield do not make the best of the space ahead of them and a potential attack breaks down.

Shaw is off injured for Burton, replaced by Dale Anders.on

The game has stopped for an injury so now seems like a good time to mention that the phrase Going For a Burton was used during the second world war to mean dying. So there.

Stride is very fortunate to escape a booking for a poor tackle on Silvestre.

You would have to say that this game is over. Solskjaer gets a ball in from the right which is over-hit. Silvestre returns the ball in with a delicate pass which Rossi guides home with his head.

GOAL

Harrad finds himself in a bit of space in United's half but is crowded out.

Saha dispossessed and the ensuing challenges give Burton a free kick. They get a good high ball in but United's defenders do their job well.

Richardson attemps a long range effort but is someway off the mark.

Rossi is forced wide by Ryan Austin as he bares down on the eightenn yard line. In fact, he should have been penalised for a handball.

Bardsley now gets back to defend and challenges Gilroy, beating him in an aerial duel.

Great tackle on BArdsley gives United a corner but Darren Tinson gets it away for Burton.

It is raining quite heavily in Mancheste4r. HArd to believe I know.

John O'Shea misplaces a pass in a good position. Despite the goal, United are still making unforced errors.

Poor clearance from Pique gives possession to Burton but they in turn lose the ball and foul Saha in the centre.

Brown is muscled off the ball again and Gilroy, Burton's winger who looks very lively, tries to jink though the defence. He doesn't, but he is causing United a few problems.

United concede a corner but Burton do not make the most of it. United clear to safety.

Richardson is having a lot of joy down the left and delivers another tempting ball in to the box which Solskjaer just misses.

Burton attemting to clear their lines but United are applying pressure. Another goal will surely kill off any hopes of a Burton fightback.

Mind you having said that...GOAL...Richardson curls in a lovely ball from the left which Saha dispatches with ease from six yards. Is that game over already?

Most of the play is occuring in United's half. Burton are closing them down well and managing to keep possession when they have it.

Good ball from Fletcher to Saha who is unfairly deemed to be offside.

Burton retain the ball well and deliver a ball into the United area which panics theire defence. Howard claims but WEs Brown was brushed aside with ease.

PUnited concede a needless free-kick deep in their own half. Burton flight the ball in but United clear the danger.

And we're off. Burton play in yellow shirts and black shorts and are attacking the Stretford End.

Burton are led on to the park by Darren Stride, a builder by trade. Can he help construct the downfall of this once great club?

Can Burton's immense travelling army of 10,000 roar their team on to the most unlikely giant-killing act at the Theatre of Dreams?

Ole Solskjaer starts again and hot prospect Giuseppe Rossi accompanies Louis Saha up front. Tim Howard is in goal with Van der Sar on the bench alongside Ferdinand and Van Nistelrooy. Burton's team includes Andrew Corbett, Shaun HArrad and Jon Shaw, although I suspect the only people those names mean anything to are sat in the away end at Old Trafford tonight

With the FA Cup offering United their only realistic chance of a trophy their fans would like, he will be anxious they impose themselves on The Brewers from the start.

To say that come eight o clock Manchester United could be ninety minutes away from their worst ever result would be something of an exaggeration. There would still be fifteen minutes of football left to play at that point, but Alex Ferguson will recognise the importance of not underestimating Burton.

Ferdinand sprays it out wide to BArdlsey but United are crowded out on the edge of Burton's penalty area.

Ferdinand is playing in midfield. So he can show off those ball playing skills he is so famed for. He could also taunt more Burton players about how much he earns from that position. If he so wished.

Burton are almost visibly tiring. But what's this? Is this a glimmer of hope for The Brewers? Actually it's Gary NEville, Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand coming on. So nothing to worry about.

Pique is penaliosed for leaning all over Burton's defence.

United spread the ball out to the right from where Fletcher hits it long for Saha. Burton are unlucky to concede the corner.

Nigel Clough has lovely eyes doesn't he? Like a sad, dying doe.

Some nice, neat close quarters passing fashions an opening for Burton but their attempted long range shot is closed down quickly.

Burton, bless them, are still pushing forward but Gilroy's cross is straight in to Howard's arms.

Kieran Richardson makes a beautiful run down the left after good work by Rossi and hits an unstoppable long range shot in to the Burton net. That blow to the stomach obviously did him no harm.

GOAL

DOUBLE OUCH!! Pique and Harrad clash heads and it is a toss up to decide who has come off worse.

Ouch! Richaradson gets a knee in his midriff after going in hard for a tackle.

Not for the first time Saha shows poor control to waste what was looking like a promisng position for United.

Silvestre should have been booked for a crude challenge on Hall.

A sprightly looking Rossi attacks down the left, aided by Richardson but the move breaks down. Rossi has done enough so far to suggest a regular Premiership starting place is not too far away.

No changes to report for either side.

The second half kicks off which, incidentally, is being watched by just over 52,000 inside Old Trafford tonight.

United are safe, but Burton have played very well. If they can keep the scoreline as it is they will regard this as a good night's work. It's an unlikely scenario, because United are now playing some good football and seemed to be building with confidence with each passing minute.

HALF TIME

Saha wastes a glorious chance after the ball gets caught behind him with only the goalkeeper to beat, allowing Burton to get back and prevent what should have been United's third.

Solksjaer is starting to look back to his old self in flashes and is at the centre of much of United's good play, linking well with Saha and Rossi up front.

Richardson gets another ball in from the left which Solskjaer just can't connect with.

Another intricate United move breaks down when O'Shea's pass cannot be controlled by Saha.

Solskjaer and Richaradson work together magnigicently to carve open a chance for Rossi and Saha who just can't reach the Norwegian's ball across the six yard box. Diving headers perhaps?

They get the ball in the box and Brown heads it away.

Burton are still trying to play their way out of trouble and do not appear to have given up. Some neat play on the edge of United's box see them spread the ball all over the sodden Old Trafford pitch. Their endeavour wins them a free kick and a chance to get the ball in to the box.

Burton retrieve the ball and Gilroy fends off a couple of United challenges before Bardsley proves too strong a barrier and allows the ball to drift out for a goal kick.

Silvestre hits in a cross which ends up sending Deeney scrambling towards his far post in the Burton goal, which the ball sails harmlessly over.

Rossis is erroneously ruled to be offside and the young striker is also looking good tonight, certainly better than he did in the first leg.

Stride is now booked after clattering in to one rash challenge too many

Richardson is the main danger for United tonight. Most of their good play is coming though the England man.

Gilroy attacks down the left forcing Fletcher to concede another corner. Burton appeal half-heartedly for a penalty after one of their players is shoved but the referee (probably) laughs.

Burton bring theire big men up for a free kick which is well met by Tinson but O'Shea is perfectly positioned to head out. United's midfield do not make the best of the space ahead of them and a potential attack breaks down.

Shaw is off injured for Burton, replaced by Dale Anders.on

The game has stopped for an injury so now seems like a good time to mention that the phrase Going For a Burton was used during the second world war to mean dying. So there.

Stride is very fortunate to escape a booking for a poor tackle on Silvestre.

You would have to say that this game is over. Solskjaer gets a ball in from the right which is over-hit. Silvestre returns the ball in with a delicate pass which Rossi guides home with his head.

GOAL

Harrad finds himself in a bit of space in United's half but is crowded out.

Saha dispossessed and the ensuing challenges give Burton a free kick. They get a good high ball in but United's defenders do their job well.

Richardson attemps a long range effort but is someway off the mark.

Rossi is forced wide by Ryan Austin as he bares down on the eightenn yard line. In fact, he should have been penalised for a handball.

Bardsley now gets back to defend and challenges Gilroy, beating him in an aerial duel.

Great tackle on BArdsley gives United a corner but Darren Tinson gets it away for Burton.

It is raining quite heavily in Mancheste4r. HArd to believe I know.

John O'Shea misplaces a pass in a good position. Despite the goal, United are still making unforced errors.

Poor clearance from Pique gives possession to Burton but they in turn lose the ball and foul Saha in the centre.

Brown is muscled off the ball again and Gilroy, Burton's winger who looks very lively, tries to jink though the defence. He doesn't, but he is causing United a few problems.

United concede a corner but Burton do not make the most of it. United clear to safety.

Richardson is having a lot of joy down the left and delivers another tempting ball in to the box which Solskjaer just misses.

Burton attemting to clear their lines but United are applying pressure. Another goal will surely kill off any hopes of a Burton fightback.

Mind you having said that...GOAL...Richardson curls in a lovely ball from the left which Saha dispatches with ease from six yards. Is that game over already?

Most of the play is occuring in United's half. Burton are closing them down well and managing to keep possession when they have it.

Good ball from Fletcher to Saha who is unfairly deemed to be offside.

Burton retain the ball well and deliver a ball into the United area which panics theire defence. Howard claims but WEs Brown was brushed aside with ease.

PUnited concede a needless free-kick deep in their own half. Burton flight the ball in but United clear the danger.

And we're off. Burton play in yellow shirts and black shorts and are attacking the Stretford End.

Burton are led on to the park by Darren Stride, a builder by trade. Can he help construct the downfall of this once great club?

Can Burton's immense travelling army of 10,000 roar their team on to the most unlikely giant-killing act at the Theatre of Dreams?

Ole Solskjaer starts again and hot prospect Giuseppe Rossi accompanies Louis Saha up front. Tim Howard is in goal with Van der Sar on the bench alongside Ferdinand and Van Nistelrooy. Burton's team includes Andrew Corbett, Shaun HArrad and Jon Shaw, although I suspect the only people those names mean anything to are sat in the away end at Old Trafford tonight

With the FA Cup offering United their only realistic chance of a trophy their fans would like, he will be anxious they impose themselves on The Brewers from the start.

To say that come eight o clock Manchester United could be ninety minutes away from their worst ever result would be something of an exaggeration. There would still be fifteen minutes of football left to play at that point, but Alex Ferguson will recognise the importance of not underestimating Burton.