Ruud Van Nistelrooy showed he is well and truly back to form with another excellent performance. The Dutch forward opened the scoring with a powerful header, and then created Ryan Giggs' winning goal with a fantastic individual piece of work.

Van Nistelrooy's opener was his 28th European Cup goal in the United jersey. A feat that equals Dennis Laws record, and judging by his displays in Europe this season, that record will belong solely to Ruud by the end of United's continental campaign this year.

Stuttgart arrived at Old Trafford top of the group and an air of confidence that they could leave England with the point they desired to secure a place as top seeds for the second phase. However, the current Bundesliga leaders rarely showed a glimpse of the form that saw them beat United out in Germany, and at times they looked frail at the back as the United attack roared forward.

The goals came either side of half-time. Following a half of dominance from Sir Alex's side, United took the lead through Van Nistelrooy only seconds before the half time whistle. Ryan Giggs dodged through the opposing defence before delivering an a floating cross for the Dutch star who did well to header home at the ideal time for the hosts.

The second goal came just before the hour mark, with Ruud and Giggs once again the maker and finisher of the strike. Van Nistelrooy battled hard to win the ball in midfield, before shrugging off challenges from two Stuttgart players. He then went on to thread a superb through ball towards Ryan Giggs who ran onto the ball superbly, and slotted it past Hildebrand to double the lead.

Several of United's fringe players were included in the starting line-up by Sir Alex Ferguson. Roy Keane, Kleberson, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Forlan and Tim Howard all rested to the bench with the United boss surely thinking about the massive derby match with Manchester City on the weekend. Goalscorers Ryan Giggs and Ruud Van Nistelrooy were both substituted in the closing stages following superb displays, and needless to say both received standing ovations from the Old Trafford faithful.

The result means United go into the latter stages of the Champions League with 4 consecutive European Cup victories under their belts. Excusing the disappointment in Germany, United have looked brilliant throughout the campaign so far, and there is a real possibility this side could go all the way and repeat the glory of the Nou Camp final in 1999. We will now face one of the seven other sides that finished second in their group, with a possibility of a 'Battle of Britain' against Celtic or Arsenal a possibility.

Speaking of Britain, in the groups other game, Glasgow Rangers through away a golden chance to qualify for the Uefa Cup with a poor display against Panathanikos. Despite having the lead, Rangers eventually lost the game 3-1 and finish bottom of the group. You can't help but feel if they had not conceded the late goal in Greece, the Glaswegian Giants could have achieved so much more in this competition. Chelsea were also in action tonight, and secured their place as group winners with an impressive 2-0 win over Beskitas at a neutral venue in Germany.

Full Time - Manchester United 2-0 Stuttgart
Attendance - 67,141

ManUtdWeb Man of the Match - Ruud Van Nistelrooy
The Dutch forward looks on fantastic form following a recent dry spell. The fact he has equalled Law's record in only his third season at Old Trafford is testament to what a fantastic striker he is, and he put in another fantastic performance on Tuesday night.

Manchester United: Carroll, Gary Neville, Ferdinand, Silvestre, O'Shea, Fletcher, Phil Neville, Scholes (Djemba-Djemba 79), Fortune, Van Nistelrooy (Forlan 71), Giggs (Bellion 70).
Subs not used: Howard, Butt, Kleberson, Keane.

Stuttgart: Hildebrand, Hinkel, Meira, Wenzel, Lahm, Soldo, Vranjes (Tiffert 45), Heldt, Hleb (Centurion 76), Kuranyi, Szabics (Cacau 45).
Subs not used: Heinen, Meissner, Amanatidis, Gerber.

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