SHAKY START

The English champions made a shaky start at the Stadio Olimpico and their Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was lucky to get away with a risky early clearance.

Roma defender Christian Panucci then headed just over the bar from a corner in the 12th.

United tried to fashion a response but Brazilian midfielder Anderson hoofed their first effort well off target and Ronaldo drilled a long-distance freekick wide.

The hosts continued to look dangerous and Montengro striker Mirko Vucinic hit a powerful strike over the bar but it was Ronaldo who gave United the lead to stun the home fans.

Roma tried to respond and Vucinic squandered a superb chance to equalise with only Van der Sar to beat soon after the goal.

A determined Roma, who were without injured captain Francesco Totti, made a bright start to the second half.

Fullback Max Tonetto come close with a powerful effort and almost surprised Van der Sar with a cross-come-shot, while Panucci blasted over from short range.

Van der Sar produced a superb reflex save from a Vucinic header in the 62nd and United looked to be struggling before Rooney claimed his fourth goal in five games against Roma.

Ronaldo hit the post with a shot from outside the area and midfielder Michael Carrick nearly made it 3-0 with another long-range strike.

Rooney then struck the ball wide from a good position and Ronaldo volleyed just over as the home side began to lose heart in the closing stages.

(Agencies via Shanghai Daily April 2, 2008)