Ruud van Nistelrooy scored twice as Manchester United secured their second straight win in the second phase of the Champions League with victory over Deportivo La Coruna. The Dutch striker scored either side of half-time to take his tally to 18 this season.
With Rio Ferdinand, Roy Keane and Nicky Butt still sidelined, manager Alex Ferguson decided to stick with the side that defeated Arsenal on Saturday. It proved to be a wise move as Deportivo rarely threatened to chalk up a second successive victory at Old Trafford after winning at the ground last season.
Van Nistelrooy looked lively from the off. He found space on the edge of the area after three minutes but goalkeeper Juanmi reacted superbly to push the ball around the post. However, United made the breakthrough after just seven minutes - and it had to be van Nistelrooy. Paul Scholes clipped a delightful ball across the face of the area and the Dutchman got clear of his marker to head powerfully beyond Juanmi.
Van Nistelrooy grabbed his second goal of the game on 55 minutes. A fierce drive from Scholes had been parried by the keeper but Solksjaer got a touch, forcing the ball into the path of the Dutchman, who made no mistake from close range.
David Beckham made his re-appearance after a rib injury with 10 minutes to go along with Diego Forlan while O'Shea and Phil Neville were the players to come off. The England captain looked lively and United were more than happy to finish the game comfortable winners.
"It was a very good team performance," said Ferguson. "The attacking play was very good. First half we had to concentrate on the defending part, which we did quite well and in the second half we improved on that and I think that sealed the victory for us. Obviously Ruud`s second goal made it easier for us, but it was a good performance and I am very pleased."
Filed by Johnny Proby
