By Chris O'Brien
July 20 2005

Ruud Van Nistelrooy netted a hat-trick as Manchester United spoilt the party at Barry Fry's testimonial. The Red Devils cruised to a superb 6-0 victory in front of a full house at London Road.

The Red Devils cruised to a superb pre-season friendly victory over Peterborough United, trouncing their Football League Two counterparts with a 6-0 triumph.

A full house at London Road witnessed a superb warm-up from United, but the evening was all about Barry Fry and his successful managerial career. One of football's great characters kicked-off his managerial career at Barnet before moving to Southend and then Birmingham City. He spent 9 years at Peterborough before deciding to step down to become a director. Fans sang Fry's name throughout a very one-sided encounter.

Sir Alex Ferguson repeated the tactics used during the 5-1 victory at Clyde by fielding a separate XI in each-half. New signing Ji Sung Park, who was rather quiet throughout, played 45 minutes whilst Edwin Van Der Sar was relatively untroubled between the sticks.

The opening period was a surprisingly tight affair as the hosts restricted United's opportunities in front of goal although they had a lucky escape as Sean St Ledger own goal was ruled out for offside. Peterborough had opportunities themselves as Mark Arber went close with a header and Trevor Benjamin had an effort saved by Van Der Sar.

The second-half was a very different affair as a new United XI decorated the London Road pitch. Paul Scholes, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs were all introduced and simply proved too much of a handful for a club looking forward to a campaign in England's basement.

Van Nistelrooy himself got the breakthrough having already gone close only moments into the half. The Dutchman picked up the ball from Giuseppe Rossi and fired a low drive past Taylor in the Peterborough goal.

The home side continued to battle hard and could have restored parity as Benjamin missed the target when he only needed to tuck the ball past Tim Howard from close-range.

The game changed totally after Ronaldo doubled the advantage for Sir Alex Ferguson's side. Good attacking play from Giggs and Van Nistelrooy allowed the Portuguese teenager to finish in style, and Ruud continued his superb pre-season form to put the game beyond doubt only moments later. Rossi, having showed great endeavour throughout, thrilled an impressive Red Army following of 3,800 with the fourth goal before Van Nistelrooy secured his hat-trick and Ronaldo wound up proceedings with his second in the closing moments.

The second-half display from United was simply outstanding and the performances of Van Nistelrooy, Ronaldo and youngster Rossi were very pleasing. This was only a friendly, but pre-season games are important as shown by United's dreadful warm-up schedule last season.
Next up is the Asia Tour - sadly more a publicity stunt that a genuine gear-up for the new season - as a Hong Kong XI await Fergie's men.

Full Time - Peterborough United 0-6 Manchester United
Attendance - 15,400

Peterborough United: Tyler (Harrison, 70), Holden (Semple, 72), Carden (Boucard, 70), Burton (Morgan, 61), Arber (Plummer, 78), Gain, Benjamin (Duffy, 75), Crow (Logan, 77),  St. Ledger, Fry (Newton, 61), Day (Farrell, 75).

Manchester United (First half): Van der Sar, Bardsley, Richardson, Pique, Ferdinand, Jones, Kleberson, Rooney, Saha, Fletcher, Park.

Manchester United (Second half): Howard, Eckersley, Neville P., Smith, O’Shea, McShane, Ronaldo, Scholes, Rossi, van Nistelrooy, Giggs.