Penalty Tevez MU Win

A much changed Manchester United (MU) side struggled past QPR at Old Trafford. Carlos Tevez a second half penalty was enough to win the game and send the champions into the quarterfinals.

With the Carling Cup and its list of priorities, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson made eight changes for the visit of Queens Park Rangers.

Gary Neville, Park Ji Sung and Anderson were the only survivors of the weekend's defeat to Arsenal with youth Rodrigo Possebon, Darron Gibson and Rafael Da Silva, all in the starting line along with Carlos Tevez.

QPR, meanwhile, wrote on Saturday against the winner of the match in Cardiff Gavin Mahon in his first XI, as expected causing unrest against the English champions after defeating Aston Villa in the last round.

The home side started without doubt the best game for the visitors with the seemingly happy to sit back and absorb the inevitable pressure.

United took a full 15 minutes, however, carve out a presentable opportunity. Tevez runs from the left fired a shot to Radek Cerny, forcing the Rangers stopper to tip the ball around the post.

The goalkeeper was less convincing, however, that shortly thereafter. A shot from Nani should have been comfortably gathered by the Czech Republic, however, conspired to spill the ball and an onrushing Park was almost the beneficiary before Radek grabbed at the second attempt.

However, despite monopolizing possession United were unable to create many clear opportunities and Rangers, while offering virtually nothing as an attacking force, were relatively comfortable in the truth.

Tevez had perhaps the best chance of the first half after being played by O'Shea.

However, the Argentine's shot flew wide of the near post and headed the visitors into the interval, no doubt, delighted with the scoreline goals.

The second half began in much the same spirit with which they dominate still looking lethargic in front of goal.

Park had the best chance of the opening exchanges, but his shot from 30 yards Cannone back to the post Cerny beaten.

The chance seemed to spark United and Tevez again tested the Rangers keeper but his shot was tipped at the bar as the champions attempted to ramp up the pressure.

His dominance finally told with 15 minutes to go. Peter Ramage was sentenced to replace injured have Welbeck and referee Phil Dowd showed no hesitation in noting the ground.

Tevez increased until no mistake, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, to give the home side the lead and send big sighs of relief around a rain soaked Old Trafford.

However, Rangers had their chances to equalize and make the home side pay for a weak showing. Substitute Di Carmine had the ball in the net, but fortunately for the home side the goal was to chalk out of offside.

Finally, the Red Devils held on despite a nervous final minute to seal their passage into the next round.

Result Carling Cup 11 November 2008

Arsenal 3 - 0 Wigan Athletic

Derby County 2 - 1 Leeds U.

Stoke C. 2 - 0 Rotherham U.

Swansea C. 0 - 1 Watford

Manchester U. 1 - 0 Queens Park R.