Ronaldo & Rooney edge Reds closer to final four

Roma 0-2 Man Utd
By Chris,
April 2 2008

Manchester United put one foot in the Champions League semi-finals with a simply magnificent 2-0 away win in Roma. Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney were the scorers as United maintained their superb recent record against the Italian giants. Luciano Spalletti's men now face a monumental ask in next Wednesday's second-leg at Old Trafford.

 

This was not a vintage United performance. It was a shadow of the display that saw the Reds romp past Villa on Tuesday, and yet Fergie's men have still managed to come away from Rome with an amazing result that leaves the club on the verge of a spot in the Champions League of Europe's top tournament.

80,023 were packed into the Olympic Stadium as United made three changes from the weekend's game. Edwin Van Der Sar, Anderson and Ji-Sung Park all started for the visitors as the Reds got off to a rather unsettled start.

Panucci and Vucinic both had early chances for Roma before United lost Nemanja Vidic to injury. The Serbian landed awkwardly on his knee and looked in great pain as he came off. Fans now face an anxious wait as we learn how long Vidic faces on the sidelines.

United, however, kept plugging away and were suddenly ahead on 36 minutes. The impressive Paul Scholes floated an inviting cross onto the head of Ronaldo - the winger powering home his 36th effort of an astounding campaign. The travelling fans were in raptures as Fergie's men netted that crucial first away goal.

However, it was to get even better for United. The backline had to be at its best to survive a Roma onslaught before and immediately after half-time before Rooney doubled the arrears. The England forward turned home a Park header as the two-time European champions caught Roma against the run of play.

The hosts were deflated. They had performed fairly well and yet lacked a clinical edge. United took full advantage, scoring two cheeky goals before nearly adding a third late on. The job is nearly done but United must stay professional for the second-leg in eight days time.

A brilliant result. Next up is Middlesbrough.

Full Time - AS Roma 0-2 Manchester United
Attendance - 80,023