ManUrd 4-0 Arsenal

A Wayne Rooney-inspired Manchester United demolished Arsenal 4-0 at Old Trafford to book their place in the quarter-finals of The FA Cup.

Goals from Rooney, Nani and a Darren Fletcher brace saw United claim a huge psychological edge over their title rivals.

The game was billed as the battle between Ronaldo and Emmanual Adebayor but both managers chose to leave their top scorers on the bench with half an eye on midweek Champions League contests.

However, in the absence of the Portuguese talisman, Rooney reminded the Old Trafford faithful that he can still be a major force in shaping United’s season.

The England striker reacted quickest to a hopeful punt forward to head past Lehmann after a quarter of an hour.

There was no let-up for Arsenal as another Portuguese winger tormented Emmanuel Eboue. Nani tore down the left flank and, after a clever shimmy, he delivered a measured cross on to the head of Darren Fletcher to double the advantage.

Arsenal - though shell-shocked at finding themselves two goals behind - showed glimmers of their former selves, with Cesc Fabregas in particular marshalling the midfield. However, a lack of cutting edge in the final third ensured it was a quiet first half for veteran goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.

United’s makeshift midfield was full of running and Nani got in on the action on 37 minutes. The young winger found time and space in the area to lash past the stranded Lehman and compound Arsenal’s first-half misery.

With the Gunners venting their frustration after the re-start, the game became increasingly ill-tempered.

Arsene Wenger’s side were reduced to ten men on 49 minutes when Emmanuel Eboue saw red for a dangerous challenge on Patrice Evra.

Arsenal - stripped to the bare bones due to injuries - took until the 63rd minute to carve out an opening with Eduardo heading over.

Wenger looked to his bench with 20 minutes remaining, bringing on Adebayor to add more potency to what was a stunted Arsenal attack. However, the next goal went to the hosts, as Nani placed another inch-perfect cross for Fletcher to head home his second.

Substitute Louis Saha could have made it a five-star performance in the final minute but he shot too close to Lehman, who blocked well.