United stride towards the semis
by Khilen Mehta
A mature and confident performance from Manchester United saw them overcome Roma away at the Stadio Olimpico with a clinical 2-0 victory. United always looked threatening without creating too many chances, but they took the ones that came their way.
They took the lead when Cristiano Ronaldo headed home a rare goal from Paul Scholes’ cross six minutes before half-time. Roma looked to go forward at every opportunity and spurned a great chance to equalise through defender Christian Panucci, who somehow found himself the furthest man up the pitch! It left Spaletti fuming. They kept pressing and were only denied by a fine save from Edwin Van der Sar, who kept out a Mirko Vucinic header.
Five minutes later, Rooney bundled home a crucial second and the tie looked to be as good as over.
The only bad news on the night was an injury to Nemanja Vidic, whose injury could mean a recall to reserve team regular Gary Neville.
It looks likely that United will face Barcelona in the semi finals after they overcame Schalke O4 away, with Thierry Henry and teenage sensation Bojan Krkic combining to give Barcelona a one goal advantage going into the second leg at the Nou Camp on Wednesday.
Tags: Champions League, Football Results, italy, Man U, Manchester United, Roma