{image-manchester united_02042008.jpg news.oneindia.in}Rome, April 2: A ruthless Manchester United snatched a 2-0 win over hosting Roma Tuesday in a first-leg quarter final of the Champions League.

United kicked off the match at the Stadio Olimpico under the jeers of the Roma fans, but controlled well the early part of the game and secured a crucial win through their strikers Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney scored the goals as United demonstrated why bookies rate them as the favourites to lift a third Champions League crown in May . Roma paid for their profligacy in front of goal during a purple patch for 15 minutes after the break while United demonstrated their growing maturity in Europe.

In fact, as Roma left gaps at the back when trying to rescue something from the game, United could and should have scored more goals in the last quarter-hour.

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti said that his side had not deserved to lose by two goals. "If we look at the result, they were too strong, but if we look at the game it is not so.


"When we conceded the second goal, which I did not like, the boys lost confidence and did not believe in creating chances to reverse the game."
"We deserved more early in the second half, then they made a cross, the ball bounced there and in it went. I think it was too penalising a result for us."

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