Manchester, Feb 15: Manchester United overcame the sending-off of England defender Gary Neville to beat neighbours Manchester City 4-2 in an action-packed FA Cup fifth-round match on Saturday. Two goals by Ruud Van Nistelrooy and one each for Paul Scholes and Cristiano Ronaldo put United, who played with 10 men for nearly an hour, into the quarter-finals for the first time since 1999. United completely dominated the first half and went ahead after 34 minutes when midfielder Scholes tapped the ball in from close range after a good move involving Roy Keane, van Nistelrooy and Ryan Giggs. But shortly afterwards the champions were reduced to 10 men, Neville appearing to head-butt City's Steve McManaman after the United defender had fallen over in the penalty area. The incident prompted angry exchanges involving players from both sides before referee Jeff Winter dismissed Neville.


City, who recovered from 3-0 down at halftime with 10 men to beat Tottenham Hotspur in the last round, scented a rare victory over their local rivals but United goalkeeper was on sensational form, blocking efforts from Shaun Wright Phillips, Joey Barton and McManaman in the second half.


City were then made to pay for their poor finishing when they were clinically killed off through Van Nistelrooy twice and Ronaldo.


Defender Michael Tarnat and striker Robbie Fowler scored late consolation goals for City.


Bureau Report