By David Hobbs
August 3 2005

Royal Antwerp were on the receiving end of a 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Manchester United as the Red Devils continue to prepare for their Champions League 3rd Round Qualifying fixture with Debrecen.

Antwerp Hit For Six

Royal Antwerp 1
Francis Severyns (pen)

Manchester United 6
Ruud van Nistelrooy X3, Ronaldo, Rooney, Fletcher

Ruud van Nistelrooy bagged an impressive hat-trick while Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Darren Fletcher also found the back of the net. The Belgian outfit scored via the penalty spot thanks to Francis Severyns.

Rio Ferdinand was again booed for his reluctance to sign a new contract as Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo endured 'minor knocks', much less severe than what most fans presumed.

"They've just got a couple of knocks, just knocks, that's all. It was just a knock on the ankle for both of them but they'll be okay," confirmed Sir Alex Ferguson, delighted at his side's performance and Ruud van Nistelrooy's hat-trick.

"Ruud's play has been really good. His movement was terrific in behind them, he got in two or three times, and is in good form. Ruud's that kind of person; goals are the most important thing in his life. When he's scoring, it's hard to get him off it.

"Roy Keane got 90 minutes, that's the most important thing. He didn't flag at any stage and coped very well.

"Ryan Giggs had a bit of a virus and we didn't bring him. Louis Saha had a knee knock," he added.

United lead 5-0 going into the interval after van Nistelrooy bagged his hat-trick, which included a deflected free-kick. Paul Scholes' effort and Ronaldo's goal helped take the pressure off leading into half-time.

Rio Ferdinand gave away a harsh penalty that was converted by Francis Severyns before Darren Fletcher rounded off the scoring following excellent work from Wayne Rooney.

Final Score: Royal Antwerp 1 - 6 Manchester United