FULL MATCH | Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur | Fourth Round | 2007-08 | Emirates FA Cup

FULL MATCH | Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur | Fourth Round | 2007-08 | Emirates FA Cup

The 2007-08 Emirates FA Cup season produced some thrilling encounters, but one of the most memorable clashes came in the Fourth Round when Manchester United hosted Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. The match was a true spectacle, filled with drama, twists, and outstanding performances that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

Here’s a full breakdown of the match, with all the key moments that made it a standout FA Cup classic.

Pre-Match Build-Up: A Clash of Giants

With both teams packed with talent, the 2007-08 FA Cup was shaping up to be a captivating tournament. Manchester United, under Sir Alex Ferguson, were the defending Premier League champions and one of the favorites for the competition. Their squad was brimming with stars, including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Paul Scholes.

On the other hand, Tottenham Hotspur, managed by Juande Ramos, had an impressive mix of seasoned players and emerging stars, including Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane. The North London club was eager to make a mark in the FA Cup, having been knocked out in the previous year’s semi-finals. This clash between two top-flight teams promised fireworks, and the Fourth Round encounter certainly delivered.

First Half: Early Pressure from Both Sides

From the very beginning, Tottenham Hotspur made it clear that they would not be intimidated by the atmosphere at Old Trafford. The opening exchanges were lively, with both teams looking to dominate possession. Tottenham's attacking line, led by Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane, caused early concerns for the United defense.

However, Manchester United’s midfield was too strong. Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick, and Ryan Giggs were dictating the tempo, and the first real chance came in the 17th minute when Cristiano Ronaldo took a curling free-kick that was well saved by Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

As the match progressed, United began to take control. The Old Trafford crowd roared as they watched their side pile on the pressure. Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tévez worked tirelessly to break through the Tottenham defense, but Spurs held firm. The tension mounted, and it was clear that the first goal would be crucial.

Second Half: A Dramatic Turn of Events

The second half was where things truly heated up. As the 60th minute approached, Manchester United’s attacking force finally broke the deadlock. Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been a constant threat, delivered a brilliant cross into the box. The ball was met by Wayne Rooney, who powered a header past Paul Robinson to give United the lead.

The goal sent the Old Trafford crowd into raptures, and it seemed like United would cruise through to the next round. However, Tottenham Hotspur had other ideas. With Dimitar Berbatov pulling the strings and Robbie Keane showing his class, Spurs pushed forward in search of an equalizer.

Their persistence paid off in the 73rd minute when Robbie Keane scored an incredible header to bring Tottenham back into the game. A perfect cross from Berbatov found Keane, whose header looped over Edwin van der Sar to make it 1-1. The match was back on, and Spurs were full of confidence.

Extra Time: United's Resilience

With the match still tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes, the two teams entered extra time. Both sides looked tired, but neither was willing to back down. In the 103rd minute, Manchester United made a decisive breakthrough. A brilliant run down the left wing by Ryan Giggs saw him square the ball to Carlos Tévez, who slotted the ball home with precision, giving United a 2-1 lead.

Tottenham Hotspur fought valiantly in the final minutes, but Manchester United stood strong. The match ended with a 2-1 victory for United, sending them through to the next round and eliminating a determined Tottenham side.

Key Moments in the Match

• 17th minute: A curling free-kick from Cristiano Ronaldo forces Paul Robinson into a solid save.
• 60th minute: Wayne Rooney scores with a powerful header from a Cristiano Ronaldo cross to give Manchester United the lead.
• 73rd minute: Robbie Keane scores an equalizer for Tottenham Hotspur with a well-timed header from a Dimitar Berbatov assist.
• 103rd minute: Carlos Tévez scores the decisive goal in extra time, finishing off a pass from Ryan Giggs to give Manchester United a 2-1 lead.

Conclusion: A Classic FA Cup Encounter

The 2007-08 FA Cup Fourth Round clash between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur was a perfect example of the magic of the competition. The match had everything: early pressure, stunning goals, and a dramatic finish that went into extra time.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney played pivotal roles in United’s win, while Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov shone for Spurs. Despite the valiant effort from Tottenham, it was Manchester United who advanced to the next round, eventually going on to win the 2007-08 FA Cup.

This match will be remembered as one of the great FA Cup encounters, showcasing the best of English football, with two high-quality teams battling it out for a place in the next stage of the tournament.