United's European Dreams Crash At Old Trafford

Paul Scholes had given United the lead in the first-half and as the clock ticked down United looked to be heading for the last eight of the European Cup before Costinha struck to break the hearts of the 64,000 Manchester United fans inside Old Trafford, and sending the 3,000 travelling faithful from Portugal into ecstasy. I always felt it was going to our night, particularly with the recent dip in form and the off-the-field problems at the club, and the sight of the visiting manager José Mourinho leaping round Old Trafford as the leveller went in showed who had won the spat between the two managers.

Sir Alex Ferguson raised a few eyebrows with his team selection, that lacked the attacking thread in the middle of the park with the surprise choices of Nicky Butt and Eric Djemba-Djemba occupying the centre-midfield roles. Darren Fletcher and Ryan Giggs were on the flanks, with Paul Scholes playing as an attacking midfielder behind solo-striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who was later joined by partner Louis Saha. Mikael Silvestre, amid hopes of an early return, was not deemed fit enough to even be included in the match-day squad, and the suspensions to Roy Keane and Rio Ferdinand and the injury to Quinton Fortune meant Phillip Neville, Gary Neville, off-form Wesley Brown, John O'Shea made up the makeshift defence.

 Costinha set up Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy for United's first clear-cut chance of the game from a weak back-pass but van Nistelrooy's touch was also poor and made it easy for Porto 'keeper Vitor Baia to collect.

But after a few untaken chances, United finally got what they just about deserved and broke the deadlock from the head of Paul Scholes. John O'Shea's threatening run and cross proved too much for Porto's feeble defence and left Paul Scholes the job to head home a vital goal for The Red Devils.

Cameroon international Eric Djemba-Djemba's lack of match practice let him down when he sloppily gave the ball away to Porto rookie Carlos Alberto but the Brazilian failed to capitalize and forced a good block from Tim Howard.

Paul Scholes had the ball in the back of the net just before the stroke of half-time but the terrible linesman gave it off-side when it clearly was not. Even FC Porto fans would have given it as a goal.

      Half-time: Manchester United 1 - FC Porto 0

Sir Alex Ferguson was forced to substitute Eric Djemba-Djemba, who started his first game in United's colours for 4 months, after picking up an injury. Louis Saha replaced him to add spice to the attack.

Paul Scholes committed a yellow card offence upon Porto player Emanuel on the hour mark and that yellow would have ruled the England international out of the quarter-final.

Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to kill the game off on the 75th minute and he gave responsibility to Cristiano Ronaldo, who replaced Scotsman Darren Fletcher. He was then stretchered off moments later and along with Djemba-Djemba, is unlikely to appear in the next game against rivals Man City. Ole Gunner Solskjaer replace the injured Ronaldo.

As the game came to a close and United fans were already celebrating their more than likely progression to the latter stages of the great cup, FC Porto were award a free-kick in an incredibly dangerous position. Benni McCarthey forced a save from Tim Howard that he really should have caught and Costinha was on hand to fire FC Porto into the quarter-final of the prestigious cup and see United off at their own fortress.

A professional handshake from FC Porto's arrogant manager José Mourinho to commiserate a livid Sir Alex Ferguson? I think not. As he jumped about Old Trafford amid the boos, United players hung their heads in shame and walked into the dressing rooms, where Fergie warmed up 'the hairdryer'.

It's the end of the European campaign early once again, and the way the players trudged off the field at full-time showed what a knock in confidence this had been to an already morale-short side. The Premiership is still a slight possibility, but the F.A Cup is the best chance for silverware at the end of the season now, and the club must pick themselves quickly and fight back in typical Manchester Unites style. Keep the Faith.

            Full Time - Manchester United 1-1 Porto
                 (Porto win 3-2 on aggregate)
                     Attendance - 67,029