United through knock-out as Dynamo thrashed
November 8th, 2007 at 4:13 pm , filed under Match Report.
Manchester United stroll through Champions League knock-out stages with two games to spare. There was a growing belief at Old Trafford this could be the season the current Red Devils emulate the European Cup heroes of 1968 and 1999.
Fergie has challenged the modern-day Red Devils not to end their careers as ‘nearly-man’. And while Dynamo Kiev represent nothing like the biggest obstacle on the path to glory in Moscow on May 21, the ease with which United achieved their victory suggests this could be a very special season.
United win coupled with Roma’s last-minute equalizer in Lisbon confirmed United’s place in the last 16, with top spot and top seeding for the knockout phase to come providing Ferguson’s side beat the Portuguese on this ground in three weeks’ time.
Ferguson rested several key players including Ryan Giggs, Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves and Oliviera Anderson to give other team players some games under their belt.
Young defender Gerard Pipue making his Champions League debut, linked overnight with Atletico Madrid opened the scoring with a fine header from the far post following Ronaldo set pieces outside penalty area. Carlos Tevez did the damage before the break.
Tevez robbed Correa 15 yards inside his own half waved on a 35-yard driving run, Tevez flicked a pass to Rooney, who instantly returned the compliment. His first European goal was clinical and devastating with his shot whistling in.
Ferguson was so confidence his side would seal a place in the last 16 with a half strength side. At half-time he introduced Tomasz Kuszczak for stand-in skipper Edwin van der Sar, a moved saw Vidic wearing the captain’s armband in preference to Rooney.
Kuszczak was called into action early in the second half, producing a fine save. After that it was one way traffic. Wayne Rooney, overlooked by Ferguson as the second half Captain, he did not show a bit put-out by the decision, instead, turning in another all-action man of the match display.
His only copybook blotting came when he picked up a needless booking for a reckless touchline tackle on Bard El Kaddouri.
It was Rooney who provided the sliderule pass which should have seen Tevez grab his second. This time though, the former Boca Juniors man delayed too long and allowed El Kaddouri to slide in and rob him.
However, when Nani arced over a cross from the right near the end, Rooney tapped home, meaning only a touch from Arsenal’s William Gallas is denying the 21-year-old a place on the scoresheet in nine successive games for club and country.
Ronaldo nudged his way ahead in their scoring duel, finishing off a fine solo effort in some style to complete the rout.