By David Hobbs
August 25 2004

Manchester United have qualified for the group stage of the prestigious Champions League following their 3-0 win over Romanian opponents Dinamo Bucharest at Old Trafford. An Alan Smith double and a David Bellion strike sealed the win.

Smith Seals Champions League Qualification

Manchester United have qualified for the group stage of the prestigious Champions League following their 3-0 win over Romanian opponents Dinamo Bucharest at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils brought a 2-1 lead from Romania after Ryan Giggs and an Alistar own-goal gave United an advantage going into Wednesday evening's game.

Sir Alex Ferguson decided to give full debuts to youngsters Jonathan Spector and Chris Eagles in a very inexperienced and young starting line-up. However, Ryan Giggs and Louis Saha were amongst the substitutes to insure United.

Cristiano Ronaldo started on the left-wing whilst Darren Fletcher started on the right. Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Eagles made up a 5-man midfield, supporting Alan Smith up-front.

The home team dominated possession in the first-half and did well to keep the Dinamo attack quiet.

With 6 minutes to go until half-time, a fine Kleberson cross connected with Alan Smith who came inches to breaking the deadlock but was just tipped over by the returning Dinamo 'keeper Cristian Munteanu.

Stefan Grigorie struck Dinamo's only real effort from an ambitious 25 yards soon after but was comfortably collected by Tim Howard to draw a close to the first period.

Just 1 minute into the second half, United made a dream re-start and  broke the deadlock. Kleberson's free-kick was deflected off a Dinamo player into the path of Alan Smith, waiting on the line to tap home the opener.  

Smith then doubled the lead moments later after Gary Neville's teasing, driven cross found a way past the Dinamo defence but not Alan Smith who fired home the second of the night.

The former Leeds man was deprived of a hat-trick with Monday night's clash with Everton in mind and was replaced by David Bellion. Ronaldo also made way for Kieran Richardson on the hour-mark.

Bellion kept up his goal-scoring form and did well to shrug off a defender to calmly slot the ball home, past the Dinamo 'keeper to make it 3-0. The 21-year old also scored against Norwich on Saturday.

The Frenchman should have doubled his goal-tally for the night but blazed over following Darren Fletcher's cross soon after.

United have know booked themselves a place in tomorrow's draw and prepare for another Champions League campaign. Come on United!

ManUtdWeb Man of the Match: Kleberson - He may be a surprise Man of the Match but I personally think he had a great game considering his nightmare first season hampered with injuries. The Brazilian plucked out some great passes and created both of Smith's goals.

Full Time - Manchester United 3 (5) -0 (1) Dinamo Bucharest

Manchester United: Howard , G Neville (P.Neville) , Spector , Silvestre , O'Shea , Eagles , Kleberson , Djemba-Djemba , Fletcher , Ronaldo (Richardson) , Smith (Bellion) 

Dinamo Bucharest: Munteanu , Irimia , Iordache , Galamaz , Semeghin , Petre , Margaritescu , Naidin , Grigorie , Danciulescu , Niculescu 

Referee: Markus Merk (Germany)