Manchester United pushed aside Chelsea in their Champions League second leg clash with a 2 - 1 win on the night. Chelsea disappointed on the night, while United excelled in front of a delighted Old Trafford crowd.
Chicharito and Ji Sung Park goals were enough to see off Chelsea as their disgruntled and clearly crushed owner Roman Abramovich watched on with a silent, inner anger as he once again saw his dream of Chelsea lifting the Champions League trophy drift passed. United were just too much, and after Ramieres' sending off, a one man disadvantage gave Chelsea little chance despite getting a goal through Drogba to give them hope.
Fernando Torres started, and, as is becoming routine, he misfired, prompting his substitution at half time. United grabbed their first just before the end of the first half, to double their aggregate lead and set them on their way. Sir Alex Ferguson had made it clear that United wanted to win on the night, and Chicharito's goal through an accurate, low cross from an evergreen Ryan Giggs saw Old Trafford erupt and Ferguson's plans develop.
Chelsea often dominated in the possession stakes and managed more chances in the first half, but they had to wait until the 77th minute for their first goal of he tie. Drogba fired low into the goal past Edwin van der sar and he wheeled away in celebration, temporarily silencing the home crowd. Chelsea were back into the game and into the tie, but they still needed another goal.
Less than a minute late, United streamed down the field, and after a delightful chip over the blue defence to Park, the South Korean finished by smashing the ball into the opposite corner. It was the ultimate response. The response of Champions. European Champions? Possibly. United will be waiting for either Schalke or Inter.
Rooney had an absolute blinder of a game, his passes and his touches were outstanding, and his deep role suited him perfectly, looking more and more like a younger attacking Paul Scholes. Ryan Giggs also played brilliantly, assisting both goals while being assured and calm as always. Michael Carrick continued his form from the first leg, and John O'Shea's clever through ball for Giggs in the build up for the first goal was outstanding.
