By David Hobbs / Chris O'Brien
August 11 2004

Manchester United have one foot in the finals of the European Cup following an excellent performance in Romania, pulling off a solid 2-1 victory against the technically impressive Dinamo Bucharest.

One Foot In Europe

Manchester United have one foot in the finals of the European Cup following an excellent performance in Romania, pulling off a solid 2-1 victory against the technically impressive Dinamo Bucharest.

After an early set-back, Ryan Giggs' beautiful finish restored parity, before debutant Liam Miller's cross deflected off the boot of a Bucharest player to give the Red Devils a first-leg lead in front of just over 1,000 traveling supporters.

Sir Alex Ferguson was forced into naming a depleted side for the crucial match, with Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Louis Saha, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Wesley Brown and Kleberson just a handful of names unavailable, whilst Rio Ferdinand's suspension continued. However, new signing Liam Miller was deemed fit enough to take up a place on the bench, sitting alongside youngsters such as Chris Eagles and Jonathan Spector.

Tim Howard was defending a back four made up of Gary Neville, John O'Shea, Mikael Silvestre and Quinton Fortune. The centre of midfield saw a hardman combination of Eric Djemba-Djemba and skipper Roy Keane, with Darren Fletcher and Roy Keane on either flank. Paul Scholes played just behind Alan Smith, with the controversial Yorkshireman impressive once again in the red shirt.

The Romanians went close early into the 4th minute through a Niculescu set-piece. Tim Howard parried the goal-bound free-kick into the path of a pouching Ciobotariu who couldn't convert.

Niculescu again cause damage but this time created the opening goal for Dinamo. His powerful cross flew straight past Tim Howard into the path of Danciulescu who found Quinton Fortune with his effort. The South African found the back of his own net with his intended clearance.

Roy Keane, playing in the centre of defence, saved United's blushes after closing down Semeghin's run later in the first interval.

With just 7 minutes from the half-time break, Ryan Giggs finished off a fine United move by turning past both Dinamo 'keeper and defender to slot home the equaliser.

The Red Devils dominated play throughout the second half and the latter part of the first-half after Giggs's goal.

Liam Miller got his United career off to a dream start and within 3 minutes of coming off the bench to replace Darren Fletcher, his cross hit Alistar to claim an advantage for the home leg at Old Trafford in a few weeks.

Dinamo Bucuresti: Gaev, Ciobotariu (Galamaz 29), Alistar, Iordache, Balan (Baltoi 79), Margaritescu (Goian 53), Tames, Semeghin, Petre, Niculescu, Danciulescu.

United: Howard, Gary Neville, O'Shea, Silvestre, Fortune, Fletcher (Miller 67), Keane, Djemba-Djemba, Giggs (Phil Neville 81), Scholes (Forlan 90), Smith.

MU:TV will be showing the game at 9pm tomorrow (12th August)