Wembley, the United way

AND SO the Carling Cup final, no big deal in itself, merely underlined what is already crushingly evident from their procession to another league title: Manchester United simply have too much in reserve — and in their reserves — for everyone else.

The sight of Rooney, Berbatov and van der Sar suited, not booted, should be a source of encouragement for any opposing team, but even if Spurs made United work for their silverware at Wembley yesterday, the Reds could still call on sufficient manpower and mental and physical strength in depth to see out 120 minutes of energy-sapping action and then emerge unscathed from the searching examination of nerve, skill and experience that is the penalty shoot-out.

The talk in the build-up had been all about Fergie’s fledglings but apart from goalkeeper Ben Foster — alert and capable on the few occasions he was tested in play and a hero in the shoot-out — the young ‘uns were largely eclipsed by the old boys.