United race to derby victory

Manchester United FC won through to the FA Cup quarter-finals after a thrilling derby victory against Manchester City FC.

Scholes goal
United have not reached the last eight since they won the Cup in 1999, but went ahead at Old Trafford on 34 minutes when Paul Scholes finished a fine move involving Roy Keane, Ruud van Nistelrooij and Ryan Giggs. However, four minutes later, United's Gary Neville was dismissed for an apparent head-butt aimed at Steve McManaman.

Victory secure
City rallied and United goalkeeper Tim Howard had to be on top form, but his side doubled their lead in the 71st minute when Van Nistelrooij turned in a Cristiano Ronaldo cross, and soon afterwards the Portuguese winger shot in after Giggs's shot was blocked by City goalkeeper Árni Gautur Arason. With 12 minutes left Michael Tarnat pulled one back for City, but Van Nistelrooij settled the game seconds later, meaning Robbie Fowler's late free-kick only reduced the visitors' arrears to 4-2.

Manager happy
After the game, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "In the first half we were outstanding and should have been three or four up. The sending-off changed the nature of the game but in the second half our counterattacking was outstanding. Our character and discipline were very good."

Fulham held
London rivals Fulham FC and first division West Ham United FC will have to meet again after a 0-0 draw at Loftus Road. Edwin van der Sar was Fulham's hero as he denied a string of West Ham efforts from Brian Deane, Matthew Etherington and Michael Carrick.

Replay for Birmingham
Birmingham City FC were also held by first division opposition as they drew 1-1 at Sunderland AFC. Birmingham took the lead against the run of play through an individual Mikael Forssell effort on 28 minutes, but the home team levelled nine minutes later from Kevin Kyle's header. Birmingham's Aliou Cissé was sent off for a second bookable offence in added time.

Lower division joy
Two lower division sides will join United in Monday's draw, however. Second division Tranmere Rovers FC overcame third division Swansea City FC 2-1, while Millwall FC beat ten-man first division rivals Burnley FC 1-0.

Sunday games
Om Sunday UEFA Champions League contenders meet when Arsenal FC play Chelsea FC, while Liverpool FC take on Portsmouth FC and another lower-division winner will emerge from the fixture involving Sheffield United FC and Colchester United FC.