Capital One Cup: Manchester United excellent in second half at Stoke, says Peter Reid
David Moyes will be dreaming of Wembley after steering Man Utd past Stoke, says Peter Reid.
Last Updated: 19/12/13 10:33am
An Ashley Young piledriver and curling effort from Patrice Evra gave the visitors a 2-0 triumph at the Britannia and Moyes' men then managed to avoid rivals Manchester City in the semi-final draw which followed, being paired with Sunderland.
Despite Moyes insisting United still had a long way to go, former England midfielder Peter Reid reckons the Scotsman will be privately positive about the chances of sealing his first piece of silverware as Old Trafford supremo.
"David Moyes is an experienced manager and knows it will be a difficult semi-final. You don't win football matches on paper, you have to go out and do it on the pitch - but he'll have one eye on Wembley," said Reid, who was impressed with United's second half display.
The one-time Sunderland boss told Sky Sports Young's thunderbolt just after the hour mark was key but credited United's performance in the second 45 minutes against a blunt Stoke side.
"The first goal changed the game and was a great strike by Ashley Young but Manchester United deserved it on their second half performance because they were excellent," he said.
"The home side huffed and puffed and there were a few crosses that went in but they didn't have a shot on target.
"When you're the home side and it's the quarter-final of a cup you expect to work their keeper. They didn't do it enough. They were neat and tidy in certain things but they certainly didn't put any pressure on the Man United defence."
Confidence
Former United striker Andy Cole, meanwhile, reckoned Young's goal can help him return to his top form.
Since signing for United in 2011, England international Young has struggled to produce his best displays regularly after a promising start to life at Old Trafford. But Cole believes that could change now.
"When he first signed for Manchester United he started off really well but he picked up a few injuries," said Cole.
"Confidence is everything in football and he may have lost some and found it a bit tough after his injury to get back in the team. But hopefully he'll get a lot of confidence from that. It was a great goal.
"It's his first in 36 games - but I'm not sure why he's found it so hard. He's got the ability but he's been in and out of the team and been on the bench quite a bit.
"Getting in the team, staying in the team and being consistent is key for him."