Edmundo, Romario bury differences, United

Edmundo added a third, silencing doubters who believed differences between the two, barely on speaking terms, would prevent them from forming a world-beating partnership. Nicky Butt scored United8217;s late consolation.

United, without suspended David Beckham and coach Alex Ferguson after their sendings-off against Necaxa, tried to slow the pace at first, playing an offside trap that placed a large responsibility on the flag of the referee8217;s assistant.

The plan worked until the first of a pair of blunders by Neville in the 23rd minute. Attempting a pass back to goalkeeper Mark Bosnich, Neville played the ball into the path of Edmundo.8220;The Animal8221; slipped the ball to Romario on his right and the former World Cup hero tapped the ball into the net.

Three minutes later, Neville and Romario produced a near replay. Neville attempted a chest back to Bosnich only to see Romario dart in, round the goalkeeper and score again.

United were sunk completely two minutes from halftime by a piece of magic from Edmundo. Receiving a pass from Juninho with his back to goal, Edmundo turned past Mikael Silvestre and blasted the ball past Bosnich.

The defeat completed a sad tournament for United who, after holding training sessions in secret and minimising contact with the local media and public, have been criticised as being aloof. Necaxa beat Melbourne 3-1 in another match. Chilean Cristian Montecinos, who missed a penalty four minutes later, Agustion Delgado and Salvador Cabrera scord for the Mexicans, John Anastasiadis for Melbourne.

Controversial finish
LONDON: First Division sides Tranmere Rovers and Fulham both claimed Premier Leaguescalps as they beat Sunderland and Wimbledon respectively in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Wayne Allison8217;s 25th-minute volley did the damage for Tranmer, but their victory was clouded by a controversial finish that could yet have repercussions. Gareth Southgate was again on target as Aston Villa beat Southampton 1-0 in the day8217;s only all-Premier League cup clash.

Tranmere8217;s match had an extraordinary finale when Clint Hill was sent off deep into injury time for his second booking. However, before Sunderland could take the resulting freekick Tranmere sent on Stephen Frail as a substitute and then played with 11 players when they should have had 10.

After successfully defending the free kick they realised their mistake and took Andy Parkinson off. After discussions between the officials the game went ahead for its final few seconds.