Solskjaer strikes as United go through

12 April 2012

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer stepped off the bench to propel Manchester United into the fourth round of the FA Cup with the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa.

The Norwegian striker has a habit of scoring crucial goals and this third-round match was no exception. He grabbed the winner in stoppage time after his shot squirmed under the body of Villa goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly.

With Henrik Larsson marking his debut for United by opening the scoring, it was a good day for manager Sir Alex Ferguson. However Villa looked to have secured a replay when substitute Milan Baros equalised only for Solskjaer to have the last word.

Wayne Rooney should have made the breakthrough for United in the 21st minute but sent a weak effort into Kiraly's arms after being set up by Larsson.

Kiraly then came to Villa's rescue after 30 minutes when he did well to get a hand to Rooney's effort following some trickery from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Larsson marked his debut and announced his arrival at Old Trafford by making the breakthrough in the 55th minute. He showed good composure after being picked out by Rooney in the area to rattle a shot beyond Kiraly.

It could have been worse for Villa three minutes later had a delightful free-kick from Giggs not come back off the bar.

Villa drew level in the 74th minute through Baros and the goal stunned United`s supporters. The Czech Republic striker took advantage of some slack marking to score from close range.

Larsson was rightly given a rousing reception in the 78th minute when he was replaced by Solskjaer.

Rooney almost regained the lead for United in the 85th minute only to drag his effort wide. But then up stepped Solskjaer to score the winner for United in stoppage time after a mistake by Kiraly, who allowed the Norwegian's shot to squirm under his body.

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