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United win League Cup on penalties
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-03-02 10:27


Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo smiles while holding the trophy after defeating Tottenham Hotspur in their English League Cup final soccer match at Wembley Stadium in London March 1, 2009. [Agencies] 

Tottenham improved as the half wore on and Lennon had their best chance with 20 minutes to go.

The ball was worked to him on the edge of the area and after setting himself and taking aim, he thumped a shot that Foster did well to beat away past the despairing lunge of Bent.

Ronaldo almost won it in stoppage time, his shot cannoning off the post and Carlos Tevez hitting the rebound wide.

Tottenham won the trophy last season against Chelsea in extra time and had the chance to repeat that feat when Bent found space but Foster saved his shot with his legs.

As penalties loomed Modric jinked through United's defence before a last-ditch tackle and Patrice Evra crashed a half-volley over the crossbar.

United had happy memories of their last penalty shoot-out, having clinched the Champions League against Chelsea on spot kicks, and there was an inevitability about the conclusion once O'Hara's effort was turned away by Foster.

Liverpool's latest slip-up means United are well placed to complete a hat-trick of league titles. Tottenham, on the other hand, have just a relegation fight to look forward to.