Manchester United have beaten Strum Graz 3-0 at Old Trafford this evening in the Champions League but have only finished runners-up to Spanish side Valencia in Group A. United only had to ensure they didn't lose by more than two clear goals to progress to the knock-out stages but for boss Alex Ferguson, the aim tonight was clearly to finish top of the Group. However, as Spanish side Valencia beat Greek side Panathinaikos 2-1, they finish top of the group.
After last week's less than impressive display against Panathinaikos, Ferguson left David Beckham, Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke on the bench alongside Phil Neville and Wes Brown. So, it was up to the likes of Nicky Butt, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to secure the necessary three points for Ferguson's side, and they didn't let him down. After just five minutes into the encounter, United had taken the lead when a fine shot from Solskjaer was blocked and Butt pounced on the loose ball to fire home from just outside the area.
Fifteen minutes later it was 2-0 to the Premiership champions. Butt and Solskjaer were once again involved and between them, they set up Sheringham for his 20th strike of the season. United looked a very different side from that which managed a last-gasp draw against Panathinaikos last week and with Roy Keane directing the midfield, Graz have barely left their own half of the pitch in the opening 45 minutes.
Things did improve somewhat for Graz in the second half and French keeper Fabien Barthez was called into action to save from Gyorgy Korsos and Ivica Vastic. Although the visitors did began to pressure United, they failed to take advantage of their opportunities and when, four minutes from time, a clever flick-on from Sheringham set up Keane for a third goal, all three points were secured for the Old Trafford side.
Meanwhile, in Group B, Paris Saint Germain beat Galatasaray 2-0, although the Turkish side had already qualified for the next phase. However, the match was marred by violence in the stands and a number of supporters were injured during the clashes. The match itself was suspended for almost 25 minutes when Portuguese referee Vitor Manuel Melo Pereira brought the players off the pitch on the hour mark as police tried to get the situation under control. It emerged afterwards that the violence began in the visitors' section of the stand and UEFA are expected to make a statement on the matter tomorrow morning.
In the other Group B match, Deportivo La Coruna drew 1-1 with AC Milan at the San Siro, ensuring top spot for themselves in the group ahead of Galatasaray on goal difference and, in doing so, knocking the Italian side out of the competition.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
