English League Cup semi-final: In ordinary circumstances Manchester United's supporters could console themselves with the thought that they have never cared much for this competition anyway. These, however, were not ordinary circumstances.

Alex Ferguson had not beaten Jose Mourinho in four previous attempts and anybody who doubted how desperate he was to end that sequence need only consider the last time Roy Keane was involved in a League Cup tie at Old Trafford: October 1996.

Keane's inclusion was enough evidence in itself to highlight how Ferguson's occasional disparagement for this competition had made way for his desire to show that United still deserve to be considered on an even playing field with Chelsea.

Ferguson had looked like getting his wish, too, only for Damien Duff's freakish winner to send Mourinho springing from the dugout once again. It is becoming a familiar sight for Ferguson, one that must be grating on his nerves.

"I like Jose," United's manager had written in his programme notes. "I think he sees himself as the young gunslinger who has come into town to challenge the sheriff who has been around for a while. He has a great sense of humour and there is a devilish wit about him. Don't believe everything you read about mind games. We get on . . . though it doesn't stop us standing up for our respective teams on football issues."

Point made. Yet one suspects that, privately at least, his admiration for Mourinho's achievements will eventually be eroded by resentment. And that day may come sooner rather than later. Ferguson being Ferguson, the compliments can last only so long when it requires United to grit their teeth and acknowledge a new order in English football.

If United's manager could allow himself to see the bigger picture he would certainly have located nothing to suggest that Chelsea are a side that could somehow sieve away a 10-point advantage at the Premiership's summit. Ferguson was entitled to argue that United had sufficient possession to have scored more than once, or at least to have posed their opponents greater difficulties, but he will also have to reflect that for long spells Chelsea were the more assured, the more resolute and the more accomplished.

Nobody inside Old Trafford could have failed to note the robustness of United's opponents, of the thou-shall-not-pass mentality that was evident in Chelsea's defence and their ability to break from deep inside their own half and snaffle a goal when they were beginning to look second best.

At one point Ferguson could be seen shaking his head in disbelief as he removed the gum from his mouth and tossed it to the ground.

There have been occasions when Ferguson has dismissed this competition as little more than an irritating hindrance cluttering up an already congested fixture list. Deep down, he may still need convincing it is a trophy to treasure but, as far as United were concerned, this night was always about more than another piece of silverware anyway. Far more.

In Ferguson's mind it was about making a statement of intent, of striving to deliver a gaping blow in Chelsea's seemingly impenetrable confidence and, if everything went according to plan, of reminding the sporting public that writing off United has long been a fool's pastime.

This was a battle for bragging rights and as the match wound to its close both sides had plenty to be proud about.

Frank Lampard could claim to be the most impressive midfielder on the pitch and, having run 60 yards in the move that led to his goal, he could also reflect on the outstanding moment of the match. Yet Paul Scholes was not far behind. Arjen Robben and Damien Duff had offered the greater width and penetration in the first half. But after the interval it was Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs who illuminated the wings.

Ferguson had argued that United's rivalry with Chelsea was not even close to matching the hostility associated with their encounters with Arsenal and Liverpool.

It was difficult, however, not to believe that this was the beginning of a clash of superpowers that will go on long into the 21st century.