As Man United and Aston Villa prepare to contest the Carling Cup final it seems appropriate to look back on the last time the two sides met at Wembley, in the same competition 16 years ago.
Back then on March 27th 1994 Alex Ferguson brought his United side to the twin towers seeking to win the first trophy of a glorious treble, with the club riding high in the league and going well in the FA Cup.

Ron Atkinson’s Aston Villa had run United close for the Premier League the previous season but an average 1993-94 campaign saw them drop down into mid-table.

With the likes of Eric Cantona, Mark Hughes, Roy Keane and Paul Ince in the line up, United were the overwhelming favourites, although they were without the services of legendary ‘keeper Peter Schmeichel, with Les Sealey taking the injured Dane’s place.

After an even start Villa took the lead on 25 minutes when Dalian Atkinson collected Dean Saunders’ lobbed pass and calmly lifted the ball over the on-rushing Sealey.

United had the better of the play from then on, with Villa having to withstand heavy pressure. But despite Unite’’s efforts they found themselves two down on 70 minutes when Dean Saunders diverted home Kevin Richardson’s freekick.

A nervy finish for Villa fans was ensured when United pulled one back on 83 minutes. Mark Hughes collected the ball on the edge of the box before turning and blasting the ball past Mark Bosnich. He could have equalised a minute later but Bosnich somehow pushed his shot against the post.

With time running out United pushed forward but were caught on the break. Tony Daley thundered a shot against the post and Atkinson seemed certain to convert the re-bound only for Andrei Kanchelskis to handle on the line. The Russian saw red and Saunders stepped up to convert the penalty and secure Villa’s fourth league cup win.

The kit Villa wore on that day was made by Asics. It was the traditional Villa colours of claret and blue though had the unusual blue pinstripe design as opposed to having blue sleeves. The badge and makers logo were in the traditional breast position while the sponsor, introduced half way through that season, was Muller yoghurts.

United were in their change colours that day and they have fresh relevance in 2010. The green and gold halved shirts and black shorts were a tribute to the Newton Heath side of the 1800s, who would later rename themselves Manchester United. The kit was made by Umbro and the main sponsor Sharp electronics. It had an unusual drawstring collar design. It is significant today as a number of supporters have organised a green and gold campaign in protest at the ownership of the club by the Glazer family and encourage fans to wear the colours at the United matches. Expect a number of fans to dig out their 1994 away shirt for the final on Sunday, should it still fit of course.

Meanwhile, England fans will be hoping Wayne Rooney, who could start in the final, is able to carry his fine form into the summer.

He will be a key part of the squad for South Africa and if he is injured England’s World Cup betting odds should lengthen significantly.

In horse racing news, pundits will be keeping an eye on the progress of Kauto Star and Denman who will contest the Gold Cup, the most famous Cheltenham race.