Town midfielder Jay Tabb has happy memories of a League Cup clash at Old Trafford eight years ago of not just taking on, but also beating, firm favourites Manchester United.

In fact, when he was a member of the Coventry team along with ex-Town goalkeeper Andy Marshall that stunned Sir Alex Ferguson’s men in September 2007, in front of a 74,000-plus attendance, it was his first, and so far only, appearance at the Theatre of Dreams.

But that’s one more than most, if not all, the players expected to take to the field tomorrow night as Mick McCarthy’s men bid to secure a place in the last 16 of the competition in its current guise, the Capital One Cup.

Tabb recalled: “It was the same stage of the competition that we’re at now and it was really good for us. United had half a team of younger players and the other half were experienced pros.

“It was a fantastic evening for us, winning 2-0 with two goals from Michael Mifsud (pictured with Tabb above), I think it was. It’s something that sticks in the memory, to go and play at Old Trafford, and to win as well is something to be proud of.

“I’ve a 100 per cent record so lump all your money on us. It’s actually a bit weird, the experience. When you turn up, walk out there and see how big it is you can see why they call it the Theatre of Dreams.

“Especially when you’re younger and you’ve seen it on Match of the Day and stuff like that, you realise Manchester United are the biggest team — or at least they were when I was growing up.

“That added to the occasion but I’m not too sure if I was nervous really. When you’re younger and playing in front of crowds like that you are always nervous but once you’ve played in front of a big crowd they are usually all pretty much the same.

“When I think back to that game, we played really well on the night. When you are playing against a team as good as that you have to work your socks off and I think all our players covered over 12k in that match.

“As far as the game was concerned, we had a couple of chances and took them, while we restricted them to a few as well.

“It wasn’t a backs to the wall job — we actually played well and deserved to win it. Afterwards we were all fast asleep on the coach because we were so tired after chasing round.

“It was a really good evening and they are tricky games because most of the time you are focusing on the league. That was a game where we were hoping to win but we weren’t expected to win so we were able to play with a free rein.

“When you go to a place like Old Trafford and play against the best you want to do it week in, week out, so all the lads are really looking forward to Wednesday. The best advice I can give our younger lads is to make sure they enjoy it because it’s such a great occasion.

“So many people grow up hoping to be professional footballers and only a few get to do it and of them only a few get to play at places like Old Trafford. Relish it, enjoy it and try to make sure the first thing you do is a good thing.”

It may still be a daunting task to attempt to knock Manchester United out but at least Tabb can concentrate on the job in hand rather than get caught up in the inevitable scramble for much sought after tickets.

He explained: “Back in 2007 there were plenty of family and friends there but there’s not so much demand this time. I don’t think anyone’s interested now that I’m getting older but back then I needed 23 or 24 tickets.

“But we have sold a lot of tickets and I’m sure the lads will have plenty of people going up there to cheer them on. It’s not every day that you get to play against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

“I wouldn’t say the fear factor isn’t there any more but it’s different. I wouldn’t want to play against them every week, that’s for sure.

“It has changed, that’s all, but Louis van Gaal is a great manager as well and they’ve started the season pretty well.

"They’ve been strong, brought in some good players — well, great players, some world class players — and you’re always fearful when you play against Manchester United.”

Photo: Action Images

blueherts added 08:03 - Sep 22 Wow Mifsud ! Maltas finest , whatever happened to Coventry ?
0

tractorboybig added 15:24 - Sep 22 Didnt realise man utd supporters had the intelligence for a forum.
-1

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls