United kicked-off their European Cup campaign in style with a comfortable 5-0 victory over Greek Champions Panathinaikos.

Supporters’ fears of this game being a potential banana skin for United were quickly put wrong, as the Red Devils were two goals to the good in the opening 15 minutes.

Mikael Silvestre started the rout on the 13^th minute from a Ryan Giggs corner when Silvestre knocked the ball home from close range.

Two minutes later, United found themselves 2 up when a miss control from Ryan Giggs fell to South African Quinton Fortune to blast home.

The Panathinaikos keeper, Nikopolidis, was having a night to forget when Ole Gunner Solskjaer’s powerful shot was fumbled by the Greek number 1 and found it’s way into the back of the net. 3-0 United.

United added the goal flutter 7 minutes later when Nicky Butt’s well-placed header was just too good for ‘keeper Nikopolidis.

The Red Devils were in cruse control and decided to replace Ole Gunner Solskjaer, who picked up a knock, with David Bellion just before the interval.                        

                        Half Time – Manchester United 4 – Panathinaikos 0

The Greeks then made a few changes for their own. Goalie Nikopolidis was replaced by Chalkias, and Goumas, who man-marked Ryan Giggs, was replaced by Epalle.

Panathinaikos tried to restore dignity in the second half, switching to a more attacking mentality.

United made two more changes just before the half hour mark. Darren Fletcher replaced John O’Shea and Eric Djemba Djemba replaced Nicky Butt.

The Greek side threatened Tim Howard's goal little throughout, with Michalis Konstantino having the only clear chance of the game midway through the second half. His effort was comfortably saved.

The Premiership Champions sealed the game on the 83^rd minute when Eric Djemba Djemba’s powerful tap in found the roof of the net. 5 zip United.

                                                   Final Score – Manchester United 5 – Panathinaikos 0

Discuss United's win on the ManUtdWeb Message Board

Panathinaikos: Nikopolidis (Chalkias 45), Seitaridis, Henriksen, Kyrgiakos, Fyssas, Zutautas, Goumas (Epalle 45), Papadopoulos (Olisadebe 62), Sanmartean, Maric, Konstantinou.
Subs Not Used: Maurice, Munch, Konstantinidis, Michaelsen.

A truly superb performance from the Welsh-wizard.

His darting runs caused havoc among the Greek defense and set up a few of United’s goals.

Giggs’ performance and effort wins him the ManUtdWeb MOTM award. 

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