Barnsley Handed Holders At Oakwell!!!!

Barnsley have been rewarded for reaching the fourth round of the Carling Cup for the first time in 10 years by being handed holders Manchester United at Oakwell.

United are unbeaten in this competition since September 2007 when two goals from ex red Michael Mifsud helped Coventry to a 2-0 win at Old Trafford.

Last year they went all the way, defeating Middlesbrough, QPR, Blackburn, Derby and Tottenham. They actually lost 1-0 at Derby in the first leg of the semi-final but won the second leg 4-2. United have also lost their last three away ties in the competition- to Derby, Coventry and Southend (all teams outside the top flight).

Sir Alex Ferguson and United have won the competition three times- in 1991/1992, 2005/2006 and 2008/2009.

Barnsley and Manchester United have never met before in the League Cup but Reds fans have fond memories of the Red Devils in the FA Cup after knocking them out in the Fifth Round in 1998 when both sides were in the Premier League.

They drew 1-1 at Old Trafford when Peter Schmeichel famously sliced an attempted clearance straight to John Hendrie to put The Reds in front before Teddy Sheringham equalised. Barnsley were denied a cast iron penalty at the death when Andy Liddell was brought down. They got revenge ten days later at Oakwell by securing a famous 3-2 victory, where local lad Scott Jones became a hero by bagging a brace.

More recently of course Barnsley have sent Liverpool and Chelsea out of the FA Cup.

League Cup History:

Barnsley:

Played: 137 Won: 48 Drawn: 31 Lost: 58 Scored: 188 Conceded: 200

Manchester United:

Played: 165 Won: 92 Drawn: 29 Lost: 44 Scored: 283 Conceded: 180