Everton edge Manchester United to reach FA Cup final

Published: 19 Apr 2009 - 19:05:49

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Everton edge Manchester United to reach FA Cup final

Everton will face Chelsea in the FA Cup final after Tim Howard was their penalty shoot-out hero against Manchester United. Howard saved well from Rio Ferdinand after Dimitar Berbatov and Tim Cahill missed the first two spot-kicks. Phil Jagielka converted the decisive penalty to book Everton's return ticket to Wembley. United's 'quintuple' dream is now over, although Sir Alex Ferguson's team selection for this match left little doubt where his priorities lie for the season. Berbatov, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Patrice Evra, Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs and Edwin Van der Sar were all left out of a United side with an average age of 22. Federico Macheda, supersub in his two substitute appearances against Aston Villa and Sunderland, was handed his first start, Fabio da Silva his second. Darron Gibson and Danny Welbeck their first appearances since the Carling Cup final victory over Tottenham in the same stadium seven weeks ago, while Rafael da Silva and Anderson were also included in what must have been one of the youngest starting line-ups Ferguson has ever selected. The Everton supporters knew there could be no better chance to reach the final they crave so much. And despite a tepid game with both sides exercising caution, there was no diluting the joy felt by David Moyes, the Everton manager. "If they put out their Under-14s today it would still have been difficult," said Moyes of United's selection. "They want to win every game they play." Moyes added: "We did practice [penalties] but we were struggling to get five to take them and thankfully the goalie made some great saves. We're working towards success and it means a great deal to reach the final."