Burton Albion's manager Nigel Clough (right) and captain Darren Stride (left) pose for photographs with the FA Cup at the Pirelli Stadium in Burton-on-Trent, central England prior to yesterday's match against English soccer giants Manchester United in the third round. - REUTERS
LONDON (Reuters)
MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a humiliating goalless draw by minor league Burton Albion in the FA Cup third round yesterday as Alex Ferguson's policy of playing a weakened team backfired for the second year running.
United, Cup winners on a record 11 occasions and runners-up last season, fielded only a handful of first team regulars and looked distinctly ordinary on a sandy, bumpy pitch against a spirited Conference side.
SHOCK
Elsewhere, fourth division Leyton Orient pulled off the shock of the round when they overcame premier league Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage and Sunderland, bottom of the top flight after one win in 20 games, beat minor league Northwich Victoria 3-0.
In the final tie of the round later yesterday, second division Leicester City also pulled off a shock result, fighting back from 1-2 down to eliminate Premiership club Tottenham Hotspur 3-2.
A year ago a weakened Manchester United were held 0-0 at home by minor league Exeter City and had to recall the big names to secure a 2-0 victory in the replay.
This season, despite being out of Europe and with little realistic hope of catching Chelsea in the league, Ferguson repeated his tactic with only Wes Brown, Mikael Silvestre and John O'Shea from his usual first-choice side starting the match.
UNFAMILIAR LINE-UP
The unfamiliar line-up, with striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer making his first start for 19 months, struggled to impose themselves on a hard-working Burton side, managed by Nigel Clough, son of the late former Nottingham Forest manager Brian.
United did not really look dangerous until the introduction of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo for the last 30 minutes.
Rooney forced a good save from Saul Deeney soon after but despite United's increasing control, they were unable to create many clear chances.
When they did, in injury time, Deeney was equal to the task as he saved with his feet from Ritchie Jones.
"I had nothing to do really all game which was a bit of a surprise against one of the best teams in the world," Deeney told Sky Sports.
Clough said: "It was a staggering performance really. In the first half it was pretty even, but in the second it seemed like we were under the cosh for about three hours.
"Now the lads have got a couple of days off to get ready for Stourbridge on Tuesday night.
"But I'm thrilled for them that they will get the chance to run out at Old Trafford."
Ferguson said: "Everybody in the country would expect us to beat them, but that's Cup football.
"We're great at keeping teams alive. Last year we gave Exeter a big pay day, this year it's Burton.
"It was disappointing in many ways, but at the end of the day I'm satisfied to get the draw and we're still in the Cup."
Orient led 2-0 at half-time after goals by Craig Easton and Joe Keith, but had to survive a strong second-half comeback by their illustrious London rivals, who are 14th in the top flight.
EXCELLENT FINISH
Collins John pulled a goal back five minutes after the restart, but then blew the chance to save the game when his 69th-minute penalty was well saved by Orient keeper Glyn Garner.
Orient then held out for a famous victory to continue the reputation for upsets in the world's oldest cup competition.
Fulham are the second Premier League side to be knocked out, although some face tricky replays after Saturday draws.
Middlesbrough were held 1-1 by minor league Nuneaton Borough, Birmingham City were held goalless at fourth division Torquay, Everton drew 1-1 at second division Millwall, while Wigan Athletic also drew 1-1 with second division Leeds United.
European champions Liverpool came from 3-1 down to win 5-3 at second division Luton Town, while Cup holders Arsenal beat second division Cardiff City 2-1.
The fourth round draw will be made on Monday.
