By David Hobbs
March 8 2005

Manchester United have been dumped out of the European Champions League by Italians AC Milan following their 1-0 defeat at the San Siro. Hernan Crespo repeated his heroics from the first leg to net again see off the Red Devils on Italian soil.

Crespo Delivers Final European Nail

AC Milan 1 
Crespo 61

Manchester United 0 

Manchester United have been dumped out of the European Champions League by Italians AC Milan following their 1-0 defeat at the San Siro.

The Red Devils faced a gargantuan uphill challenge after falling 1-0 down at Old Trafford. Hernan Crespo repeated the magic produced 2 weeks ago in Manchester to bag another goal against United.

Sir Alex Ferguson fielded his most strongest, most gung-ho team selection possible with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney and Ruud van Nistelrooy handed the task to puncture the water-tight AC Milan defence. England international defender Wes Brown filled the boots of the absent Gary Neville at the back.

Milan also had a fine array of attacking talent available and constantly tried to penetrate through United's defence. Clarence Seedorf teed up Hernan Crespo, waiting on the right side of the box, but the Argentine's low effort was well saved by Tim Howard.

Brazilian wonderkid Kaka was stopped in his ambitious tracks by Rio Ferdinand before Mikael Silvestre dealt with an advancing header at the near post to break down a promising Milan set-piece.

Half way through the first half, Red Devils skipper Roy Keane was lucky to avoid a caution following a lunging tackle on Paolo Maldini.

Ruud van Nistelrooy showed more signs of rustiness after 3 long months on the sidelines. The Dutchman had been conditioned especially for this fixture and missed a good chance by blazing over Wayne Rooney's cushion-header to see off the first period.

The break proved to be a constructive one for the home side as the Italians stepped up a gear. United remained uncomfortable in front an intimidating San Siro faithful.

Ryan Giggs appeared to have picked up a knock in the closing minutes of the first half, and was replaced by Quinton Fortune just before the hour mark.

However, United paid the price for slack defending on the hour mark. Hernan Crespo struck another nail in Manchester United's European coffin, directing a powerful header past a hapless Tim Howard.

United players protested Jaap Stam's apparent hand-ball just inside the box whilst Roy Keane also got a hand to the ball as he stumbled to the ground.

Wayne Rooney's 80th minute set-piece epitomized his overall performance. Rooney skied a well positioned free kick, much to the frustration of his team-mates.

Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti brought Ambrosini into the fray in an attempt to tighten the midfield and defence, replacing goalscorer Crespo.

Despite every attempt, United could not find an opening. Youngsters Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo failed to rise to the occasion. A terrible night all-round. 

Meanwhile, Chelsea booked their place in the next round with a 4-2 victory over La Liga leaders Barcelona. French outfit Lyon demolished German side Werder Bremen 7-2.

Final Score: AC Milan ? - ? Manchester United
Att: ??,???

AC Milan: Dida, Cafu, Nesta, Stam, Maldini, Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf, Rui Costa, Kaka, Crespo. Subs: Abbiati, Costacurta, Inzaghi, Tomasson, Ambrosini, Dhorasoo, Serginho.

Manchester United: Howard, Brown, Ferdinand, Silvestre, Heinze, Ronaldo, Keane, Scholes, Giggs, Rooney, van Nistelrooy. Subs: Carroll, Phil Neville, Bellion, Smith, Miller, O'Shea, Fortune

Refereed By: Herbert Fandel (Germany)