While the game featured 4 goals, including United's 50th of the season, it is more likely to be remembered for defensive mistakes than attacking flair. After only 5 minutes Distin comically air-kicked to allow Rooney to run onto Ronaldo's cross from the right and score without breaking stride. United were again dominant and outclassed City for the first half but it was only Heinze's persistance and Dunn's slip that allowed Saha to extend the lead just before half-time, his toe-poke hitting Weaver and looping over into the goal.
It was a typical United performance with their dominance not made to count and chances wasted. Isaksson, on for the injured Weaver, made several crucial saves, managing to somehow deny Rooney from point blank range. City didn't give up and when Trabelsi curled the ball in with his left foot from the edge of the box, it looked like United would rue their wastefulness and have a nervous 20 minutes ahead of them. Ronaldo spared the fans and killed the game with little over 5 minutes left, Rooney providing the pass for him to fire home.
United can take satisfaction in taking maximum points and qualifying for the next round of the Champions League since the draw with Chelsea. Although Chelsea have 3 games in which to make up the defecit before United face West Ham on Sunday, the pressure is now on them. The United players have been given 3 days off and should be the fresher of the two teams leading into the congested Christmas fixtures after which, Larsson and possible new signings await.
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