Slick Saha too hot for Bruce’s Blues
After a competitive opening period, the half-time introduction of Wayne Rooney triggered the visitors into life and three goals in 20 minutes booked the Red Devils a semi-final spot for the third time in four years.
A well-taken Louis Saha double sandwiched Park Ji-Sung’s debut United strike to give the visitors a deserved triumph and prevent Bruce finding any respite from the pressure which ensures this will be anything but a happy Christmas at the midlands club.
Afterwards United boss Sir Alex Ferguson declared himself “satisfied” with the success.
After netting twice in the first five minutes of the second half, he explained: “It was a good start to the second half - I thought the presence of (substitute) Wayne (Rooney) helped us a bit.
“But maybe we should have had a couple of goals in the first half.”
The Scot was pleased to see Park score his first goal for United, adding: “He’s been so close in so many games this season - it was a great goal as well.”
As for United’s prospects of winning the competition, Ferguson added: “If the opportunity is there you must take it - when you are in the semi-final of any cup you must go for it.
“Last year I thought we were very unlucky against Chelsea in the semi-final but we’ll certainly give it a good shot this year, although it depends how we are in January and which team we will play.”
United should have taken the lead in the second minute but Giuseppe Rossi’s half-volley cannoned back off the crossbar.
Louis Saha should have scored when he rose to meet Darren Fletcher’s excellent far post cross but only nodded wide from point blank range.
The missed opportunities only served to galvanise Birmingham and Heskey went close when he turned smartly and unleashed a thunderous 12-yard shot, only for Tim Howard to push it firmly away.
The visitors did finish the opening period on top, with Saha bringing a good save from Maik Taylor - but there was enough encouragement for Bruce to feel his side had a chance of advancing into the last four.
What wrecked his hopes, indirectly at least, was Ferguson’s decision to introduce Rooney for Rossi at the break.
Although Rooney was not involved in either of the goals which wrapped up a Red Devils victory within five minutes of the restart, his mere presence seemed to induce a greater sense of urgency in the visitors’ ranks.
In the build-up to the game, Ferguson made two specific points. The first related to the development of Cristiano Ronaldo, the second to Park’s run of bad luck in front of goal.
The United boss had a positive night on both fronts.
Not only did Ronaldo respond well to his first start since United’s Champions League exit in Lisbon, he also produced one of his more direct performances.
Opting for one or two touches instead of the seven or eight he sometimes prefers, the Portuguese winger was at his effective best.
He also showed an increased willingness to move after he had passed the ball and after finding himself on the end of a flowing attack he started with a lay-off to Park, Ronaldo drilled over a low cross 40 seconds after the interval which Saha finished.
Before they had time to clear their heads, Birmingham were two down as Park finally netted for the first time since his summer arrival from PSV Eindhoven, driving into the box after taking Saha’s pass in his stride, then beating Taylor with clinical efficiency.
All hope had disappeared for the disgruntled home fans, who reacted badly to the sight of Bruce responding to the promptings of the visiting section by waving at the United supporters.
It was not long before Saha had scored his second, stepping inside Martin Taylor, then blasting into the top corner.
Just as he did at Eastlands at the weekend, Jiri Jarosik bagged a late consolation for the hosts.
But United return in eight days time with Premiership points at stake. Beforehand, Birmingham visit Tottenham, immediately afterwards they go to Chelsea. Bruce must fear the consequences.
: Maik Taylor, Johnson, Martin Taylor, Upson, Painter, Pennant, Butt (Clapham 67), Clemence, Dunn (Kilkenny 66), Heskey (Forssell 82), Jarosik.
: Howard, Neville, Brown, Silvestre (Ferdinand 60), Richardson, Ronaldo, O’Shea (Jones 66), Fletcher, Park, Rossi (Rooney 45), Saha.
: M Halsey (Lancashire).
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