Big two spared in semi-final showdown
22/12/2005 - 08:25:15Arch-rivals Manchester and Arsenal remain on course to meet in the final of the Carling Cup after they were kept apart in last night’s semi-final draw.
Alex Ferguson’s side were paired with Blackburn while the Gunners will face Wigan in the last four after their lucky escape against Doncaster.
The ties are to be played over two legs on the weeks beginning January 9 and January 23,
The all-Premiership semi-finals begin with Wigan and Blackburn at home, giving both sides the opportunity to open up an advantage before daunting away trips a fortnight later.
“We have a tough game at Wigan first and it will be a unique opportunity for them to go to the final, so it will be a very exciting game,” said Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.
Both United and Arsenal have surprisingly moderate records in the competition.
United have won it only once, in 1992, although they have been to five finals, while Arsenal were cup winners in 1987 and 1993.
Blackburn will be keen for a repeat of their 2002 triumph in the competition.
Rovers boss Mark Hughes is also unbeaten as a manager against his former club, with one win and one draw, while Rovers have not lost in any of their past four matches against their Lancashire neighbours.
United won a semi-final against Rovers in this competition in the 2002-03 season, however, with Paul Scholes (2) and Ruud van Nistelrooy on target in a 3-1 win at Ewood Park after a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
“It is a tie we’ll all be looking forward to,” said Hughes. “It is a semi-final over two legs, we got to one last year, we’d like to go one stage further this year.”
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