Manchester United went up 2-0 on Southampton FC in the EFL Cup final at Wembley Stadium Sunday, but that advantage was quickly erased as Southampton has drew level by getting two braces from forward Manolo Gabbiadini.
They should have had a third from Gabbiadini, but were instead essentially robbed due to a very controversial call. The disallowed Gabbiadini goal (which would have given him a hat trick) was a major talking point from the League Cup final, as had the call stood it would have changed the entire complexion of the game.
Then, in this alternate outcome, everyone is hailing Manolo Gabbiadini as the man of the match, with the MVP performance instead of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
While all the postgame excitement and plaudits surrounded United and Zlatan, deservedly so, don’t forget the game effort from Southampton. United Manager Jose Mourinho certainly did not overlook it, as he formally recognized the efforts put in by Gabbiadini and company.
Gabbidini proved his worth as a January transfer window addition for Saints with an EFL Cup performance that almost single-handedly propelled the south coast club to victory. While the January window is no doubt the transfer window light, or junior transfer window, where typically only afterthought deals are made, Manolo Gabbiadini has paid big dividends.
Southampton Executive Director of Football Les Reed said on the day Gabbidini was signed: “We are delighted to have secured the signing of Manolo Gabbiadini, ahead of a number of other clubs who were interested in him.
“We have followed his progress for a significant amount of time and have worked hard behind the scenes to agree a deal for him this month.
“At the age of 25, we believe Manolo can play an important part in the remainder of the season, while still having his best years ahead of him.”
“Claude Puel’s reputation for developing young players also makes this an ideal place in which he can take the next step in his career.
“With Jay Rodriguez, Shane Long and Nathan Redmond all in good form, and Charlie Austin making encouraging progress in his return from injury, Manolo is another exciting addition to our attacking line-up ahead of the final months of the season, as well as for future campaigns.”
Gabbiadini’s career began with Atalanta, where he made 26 appearances in all competitions between 2009 and 2012, while also enjoying a successful spell with Cittadella, in Serie B.
The Italy international has since gone on to represent Bologna, Sampdoria and Napoli in Serie A, making 160 appearances in all competitions for the three clubs.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times and NBC Chicago.com, contributes to Chicago Tribune.com, Bold, WGN CLTV and KOZN.
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