Three goals !

By Chris,
December 9 2009

The press will no doubt be hyping up Michael Owen’s World Cup credentials after the diminutive frontman bagged an impressive hat-trick in Germany on Tuesday evening. Sir Alex Ferguson’s heavily depleted side claimed an impressive victory to top the group - condemning Wolfsburg to the Europa League in the process.

United's injury woes meant Wolfsburg were heavily fancied towin the game, but Owen's deadly finishing proved the difference on the night asthe Reds bagged a hard-fought 3-1 win. 

Sir Alex Ferguson was forced to name a makeshift side, with DarrenFletcher, Michael Carrick and Ji-Sung Park all taking ondefensive duties. 

However, United dealt with the situation superbly – andthough Wolfsburgpiled on the pressure at times, the visitors ultimately secured a comfortablewin to top the group. 

Wolfsburglooked more dangerous during the first-half, but squandered chances and it wasOwen who broke the deadlock. He nodded home Nani's cross to the delight of thetravelling fans as United went into the break ahead. 

Edin Dzeko headed home a deserved equaliser after theinterval, but United had more class in the closing stages. 

With 16 minutes to play, highly-rated Frenchman GabrielObertan tore the Wolfsburg defence to shreds before finding Owen – with theformer Liverpool man completing a fine evening by chipping home a third lateon. 

CSKA's victory in Besiktas ensures that the Russians qualifyfor the knock-out stages, leaving Wolfsburgto join the Scousers in the rebranded Europa League. 

United are now expected to welcome back a host of big-namesfor Saturday's crucial Premier League meeting with Martin O'Neill's ambitiousAston Villa. 

Full Time – Wolfsburg 1-3 Manchester United
Attendance – 29,000