Aalborg 0 United 3

It was a comfortable and quality performance by United as they finally got into their stride in the Champions League. One goal from Wayne Rooney and two from Dimitar Berbatov did the damage. The gloss was taken off the victory, though, because of an injury to Paul Scholes (out for 10 weeks!) and a knock to Rooney (doubtful for next game).


After only six minutes Cristiano Ronaldo chased down a pass to keeper Zaza and his hurried clearance spun up off the Reds winger and slowly fell invitingly to Berbatov at close range. But he blew his opportunity as he slammed his effort into the advertising hoardings. Scholes injured his knee in a clumsy tangle with Aalborg captain Augustinussen and was replaced by Ryan Giggs who six minutes after coming on was the brilliant architect of United's opener. He slipped a pass through to Wayne Rooney who confidently stroked home.


Rio Ferdinand was outstanding at the back and his 24th minute stretching block as Bogelund squeezed the trigger saved United in their only serious moment of danger. United were comfortable and nobody was more snug than Rafael. Never mind his European debut, the South American whippet looked like he was as experienced as the United right-backs Wes Brown and Gary Neville, who he is now seriously set to challenge. His penetrating raids down the right were a feature that kept United's nose to the ground.


In the 55th minute Olfers and Augustinussen got themselves into a mess and the latter's woeful effort to clear a ridiculous pass spun towards Berbatov who put accuracy into his hit as he opened his United goal account. He added his second in spectacular style after 79 minutes with a goal of class. Ronaldo put in a cross just a fraction behind the Bulgarian but he shifted his body to volley in again with power and panache.