Everton 0-2 Manchester United
The FA Cup, Fifth Round
19 February 2005
Goodison Park



Manchester United took a step to retaining The FA Cup with an impressive 2-0 win over Everton.

Goals from Quinton Fortune and Cristiano Ronaldo booked United's place in The FA Cup Sixth Round on Wayne Rooney's return to Goodison Park.

Fortune gave United the lead in the 23rd minute when his powerful header rippled the back of the net after Ronaldo had supplied the cross.

The Portuguese star beat two men before crossing deep at the far post where Fortune rose highest to steer his header past Nigel Martyn.

Shortly before half-time, Roy Carroll was called upon to make an excellent save to deny Marcus Bent. Bent was played through and only need to beat the 'keeper, but Carroll got down well and saved at the striker's feet.

Ronaldo put the result beyond doubt when he was first to react after Martyn had parried Paul Scholes' long-range shot.

Scholes' shot was deflected and, with Martyn wrong-footed, he could only palm the ball out and, as the Everton defence stood still, Ronaldo was on hand to stroke the ball into the net.

Rooney had two excellent chances to stun the hostile Everton crowd into silence but he was denied by Martyn on both occasions.

It was thrilling encounter, marred only by several missiles being thrown on to the pitch - one of which struck Carroll.