Korean winger Park Ji-Sung scored his first goal of the season and dished out two assists in Manchester United‘s convincing 5-2 victory over Scunthorpe United in round three action of the English Carling Cup. Park, who scored United’s fourth goal at Glanford Park, now has 18 goals to his name since his £4 million transfer to Sir Alex Ferguson‘s side from PSV Einhoven in 2005.
Despite being down early after a wonder strike by Scunthorpe midfielder Josh Wright in the 20th minute, it was an easy come-from-behind win for United as Darron Gibson lofted the ball over Joe Murphy to equalize just four minutes later following a brilliant ball over the top fed by Chris Smalling. Shortly thereafter, Park was played in by Wes Brown‘s through-ball on the right channel and he put in an inch-perfect low cross to Smalling who re-directed the ball into the net to give United the lead.
Park’s highlight of the match came in the 54th minute when he fired home his first goal of the season. Five minutes after United’s third goal by Michael Owen, Park smashed the ball into the bottom right corner from the center of the box after Anderson‘s corner-kick was mis-cleared.
The 29 year-old added another assist to his tally in the 70th minute with a fantastic individual effort. After receiving the ball laid off by Federico Macheda in his own half, Park made a 50-yard solo run and blasted another strong low-angled shot from the top of Scunthorpe box. Murphy got his hand to the ball, but Owen was there to clean up the rebound.
The match ended 5-2 in favor of the Red Devils as Martyn Woolford scored a consolation goal for the Championship side just one minute before the end of regulation.
In other news, Lee Chung-Yong of Bolton Wanderers came in as second half substitute against Burnley, but Own Coyle‘s men suffered a 0-1 loss and were eliminated from the competition.
Park and Lee will now prepare for what will be touted as a mouthwatering match-up back home as United face Bolton at Reebok Stadium this Sunday.
Match highlights
i love that goal by smalling!
They pulled the video already. Bastards.
Replaced it with highlights. Thanks for the heads up, Archildo.