MON and Sir Chewalot After The Game

Martin O'Neill spoke on the official site after another defeat to Manchester United in a pretty dull game:

'It's obviously very disappointing to go out to United again. We might not have done enough to win the game but I think we did enough not to get beaten. It seemed to be heading towards a replay and I think United might have accepted that too.'

'But overall I am very disappointed today. I wouldn't have minded going to Old Trafford for a replay and I think we deserved that opportunity. Sadly, the competition bypasses us for another year.'

Not being funny but not sure what use a replay at Old Trafford would have done, our only chance was going for it today but then, if we'd gone for it, they'd have hit us on the break I guess. This management lark isn't all it is cracked up to be is it?!

He added the goal was a hammer blow coming as late as it did, 'I don't know if Sir Alex would agree but I don't think there was much between the two sides. There were very few chances either end but I can't fault the boys for their work-rate because their effort was fantastic. I can only worry about the record we have against them while I am at the football club, but I thought we were capable of changing the run. But overall, we didn't put them under enough pressure in front of goal.'

Sir Alex Chewalot of Manchester said on MUTV:

'It was an absolutely magnificent performance from all of them. We never looked like losing a goal which is crucial in a tight cup tie. And especially when you look at the good form Aston Villa have been in. So it was important that we didn't give them any encouragement and the defence can take great credit for that. There was nothing in it in the first half and to be honest as the game went on I couldn't see a goal coming. We didn't have any really great chances up until the first goal from Ronaldo.' Adding, 'Villa had doubled-up on him all day and never made it easy for the boy. But he's always likely to do what he did and that goal opened things up for us because it forced them to try and get back into it. It's a great result and we're very pleased.'

No apologies for the behaviour of the Man Utd fans though Alex? No shame at all for them invading the pitch, pushing the police and stewards or throwing a flair on the pitch? No, thought not. Plenty of trophies, but as usual, no class at all.

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