The much anticipated round two of the 'Battle of Britain' failed to live up to it's billing, as United cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over the Scottish Treble winners. 

Goals from Diego Forlan, who hit his fourth goal in as many games, and a brace from Ruud Van Nistelrooy, ending an open play goal drought of almost 10 hours, secured the three points for the hosts who are now on course for a place in the second round of the European Cup.

Although the game didn't match the pre-match hype that had surrounded it, the atmosphere certainly did. I arrived at Old Trafford about an hour prior to kick-off and already 800 Rangers fans were assembled in the away end, singing a deafening chorus of 'Rule Britannia'. The colourful away end was laden with flags, with the expected Union Jacks, Ulster Flags and St.Andrews Cross' being waved in numbers. 

The United fans were brilliant as well. The Roy Keane Irish flags were unsurprisingly on show everywhere which wound up the visiting supporters, and the noise created was the best I have heard in a long time, more of this in the league games please! 

Anyway as for the match, the singing Rangers fans I mentioned were silenced only 5 minutes in to the match thanks to a fantastic Diego Forlan strike. Roy Keane’s cross was only partially cleared by the nervous ‘Gers defence, and the Uruguayan took adVantage by sending a superb volley past Stefan Klos.  

The attacking United line-up picked by Sir Alex Ferguson, which included Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs playing down the flanks to support the two strikers, was working a treat and chances were aplenty for the Red Devils. Van Nistelrooy and Keane both went close to doubling the lead, and Rangers rarely looked like finding a way back into the game. 

Michael Mols had the visitors’ only notable chance of the opening 45 minutes, when he fired wide from a Michael Ball through-ball. Ball was in action again only minutes later, when he cleared off the line from Ryan Giggs, before United got the second goal of the night. 

Cristiano Ronaldo’s sweeping cross was flicked onto Diego Forlan who shattered a volley against the bar. The ball took a fortunate rebound off Ruud Van Nistelrooy and trickled into the Rangers net. It was not exactly the best way to end the open play goal drought of almost 10 hours, but his delight at getting on the scoresheet was clear to see. 

Rangers showed a spirited start to the second-half as they looked desperately for the goal that would bring them right back into the European Cup tie, but the United defence dealt comfortably with what was thrown at them, and the game was put within reach of the Scottish-outfit when Ruud Van Nistelrooy added to his scoring tally on the hour mark. 

Welsh international Ryan Giggs sent a free-kick into the ‘Gers penalty area, which was nudged in by Van Nistelrooy from close range to secure a comfortable win for the English champions.  

The goal prompted the United fans to start taunting the travelling supporters about their Premiership pretensions. The chant “Premiership – you’re having a laugh” echoed around Old Trafford. In time this became “Nationwide – you’re having a laugh”. As the game continued it went onto Sunday League, and eventually Subbuteo! 

There was an element of truth in the chants. There has been so much talk about the possibility of the two Glasgow giants leaving the Scottish Premiership to join the Football League pyramid, but judging on this performance, Rangers would not be able to compete with the big guns of the English top flight. 

Rangers had what was probably their best chance of the game with just under 20 minutes left on the clock. Michael Ball powered his free-kick towards Tim Howard, who fumbled the ball, and Mols should have comfortably put home the rebound, but he was beaten to the ball by a red shirt who cleared for a corner. 

In the closing stages, with the job well done, Sir Alex rested key players such as Ryan Giggs, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Diego Forlan, who were all taken off.  

In the other game in Group E, Stuttgart continued their impressive form with a 3-1 demolition of Panathanikos in Greece. The result eliminated the Greeks, and leave Rangers needing wins in both of their final games to stand any chance of qualifying for the next change. Alex McLeish’s side may have to settle for the consolation of a Uefa Cup spot, which would be secured with a point against Panathanikos at Ibrox.  

Full Time – Manchester United 3-0 Glasgow Rangers

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