Match Report
Man. Utd 4 Dynamo Kiev 0
Manchester United qualified for the Champions League knockout stage after a comfortable win against Dynamo Kiev. Gerard Pique headed his first United goal after 31 minutes and Carlos Tevez quickly added a second after a brilliant exchange with Wayne Rooney. United continued to dominate and Rooney side-footed home Nani’s superb cross with 15 minutes left. Cristiano Ronaldo’s solo effort made it four late on and Roma’s draw with Sporting Lisbon sent United through.
United made five changes to the team that drew 2-2 at Arsenal, and it took a while for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side to get into their stride. Rooney received a yellow card after 17 minutes for a foolish chase and tackle on Artem Milevskiy. But United’s frustrations eased on the half-hour when they took the lead in freakish circumstances. Michael Carrick’s header from Ronaldo’s free-kick bounced off the head of an unwitting – and offside – Tevez and lobbed into the path of Pique, who headed home.
And five minutes later they doubled their advantage when Rooney exchanged passes with Tevez to allow the gifted Argentine to shoot high past Olexandr Shovkovskiy. United made a substitution at half time, with Tomas Kuszczak replacing Edwin van der Sar in goal after the Dutch keeper suffered a foot injury. He was instantly in action, diving to save well from Diogo Rincon – but United were always in the ascendancy.
Nani had a shot saved from 20 yards and then Shovkovskiy made a fine double save from Tevez and Danny Simpson after brilliant approach work from Patrice Evra. Kuszczak had distinguished himself, and he saved well from Tiberiu Ghioane as Dynamo at last showed more attacking intent. United wrapped up the win with 15 minutes left when Nani provided a superb right-wing cross that was an open invitation for Rooney to side-foot home from six yards.
Ronaldo finished the night with a flourish, tricking his way into the area in trademark fashion before firing home powerfully.
Man Utd Blog Man of the Match -: Pique. What a great Champions League debut!