European Champions Manchester United all but relinquished their hold on the trophy with a slapstick display against outsiders Porto.
After the last gasp resurgence against Aston Villa on Sunday Sir Alex Ferguson would have wanted an emphatic display to be sent out, but instead, his troops performed in anonymous fashion for most of this crucial tie. Less than a handful of players can hold their heads up high after this quarter final, and United now have to become the first English team to win at Porto to progress.
Porto took the lead with less than 5 minutes on the clock when Cristian Rodrigues picked up on a poor defensive header by Evans, cut inside and finished with ease past van der Sar.
The home side were never going to score through any creative cutting edge and so were reliant on a howler from defender Alves, whose backpass was intercepted by Rooney with the inevitable finish taken with a touch of class.
It was Rooney who provided what little spark United had until Fergie made changes after the break – the decision to swap Park for Giggs almost past instant dividends as the Welshman created two gilt edged opportunities for Vidic, who was unfortunate on both occasions. With just 5 minutes remaining Rooney turned provider, latching onto one substitutes throw to create a goal for another – Neville’s set piece was exquisitely flicked on by the forward to Tevez, who converted to send the Stretford End wild.
The celebrations lasted for less than 5 minutes as opposition sub Mariano was the last to benefit from some poor defending, finishing comfortably to give United a near impossible task in the second leg.
Source: (Yolkie)
Poor Piss us.
Darn suprising and deserving them.
We are now left to rely on the last bit of our strenth – hope + faith. and believe
It almost always prove present when when rely on them…
Hoping Ferdinand gets back quickie….