Euro Glory: Roma away
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Gerard Pique headed the goal as United's young guns, led by Wayne Rooney, secured a creditable draw in their final Group F encounter. Further success at the Stadio Olimpico would follow less than four months later...
UEFA Champions League Matchday 6
12 December 2007, Stadio Olimpico
AS Roma 1
Mancini 71
Manchester United 1
Pique 34
Read the report
On the pitch: With both sides having already progressed to the knockout stages, this was never going to be the edge-of-your-seat fare that the teams had dished up at Old Trafford two months earlier. It was instead a chance for Sir Alex Ferguson to give some of his youngsters and fringe players a run-out in one of Europe's most venerable arenas and they did not let him down. Rooney was handed the captain's armband for the first time and Pique powered home a 34th-minute header to help the Reds claim a pleasing draw.
Star man: At the heart of the defence, Pique displayed an assuredness beyond his 20 years to keep the likes of Francesco Totti, Taddei and Mancini quiet for much of the evening. He also converted Nani's corner emphatically for his second goal in as many Champions League games.
How United lined up: Kuszczak; Simpson, Pique, Evans, O'Shea (Brown 54); Eagles, Fletcher, Carrick, Nani; Rooney (Dong 72), Saha.
Talking point: It has to be Rooney leading his troops at the ripe old age of 22. Wayne has been pestering me for ages to be captain," Sir Alex said. He has a lot of the ingredients needed to be a captain of this club in the future. He is like a Robson or Keane in his determination and will to win." Rooney himself enjoyed the experience, saying: It was fantastic to captain the team, and I think it was a good result and a good performance.
What the papers said: "For long spells neither side seemed to be taking the game too seriously, but eventually it developed into a surprisingly entertaining contest, one that either side could have won." Daniel Taylor, The Guardian
Around the grounds: Dynamo Kyiv ended their Group F campaign without a point after going down 3-0 at Sporting Lisbon. Elsewhere, Lyon advanced at Rangers' expense with a 3-0 win at Ibrox and Arsenal were forced to settle for second place in Group H despite beating Steaua Bucharest 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.
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