United boss Alex Ferguson had assured everyone that the team he put out would do the business. He even felt his strongest might not, with a Champions League final to come. Once again, he was spot on. Fergie said: "It's just what I expected. There was a lot of speculation about what team I'd pick but I was always confident the one I played would do well. We really do have a great bunch of young players and what they need is opportunities like today. Some of them have played in the League Cup and FA Cup this season, which has been good for them, and they showed the extra maturity they've gained in terms of being able to handle the type of game it was against Hull. They all played their part and hopefully a lot of them will get more chances next season."
Irishman Gibson, 21, showed in the Carling Cup final that he is comfortable on the big stage. And yesterday he gave us a moment that proved it once again. Nani put over a deep cross which Federico Macheda kept in and laid back to Gibson. He took a touch, looked up and from an angle 30 yards out, delivered a blistering, right-foot drive into the far top corner.
The second half was played out with Hull seemingly waiting for the final whistle and hoping Villa would keep their lead. Their only threat was a Nick Barmby header saved by Tomas Kuszczak.
The final whistle was greeted with muted applause as the ground awaited news that Newcastle really had lost. Then the party began. (The Sun)
