Manchester United vs Villarreal

FULL TIME: As the teams troop off a half-hearted chant of 'Keano' ripples around Old Trafford, the former skipper's name now serving as a by-word for the crowd's disappointment at another night of thwarted European effort. Or something. Villarreal's gameplan worked wonderfully and United's attacks became more and more limp as the game continued. United are at least still in contention in this group. The other match between Benfica and Lille was also goalless. Tara.

Ronaldo and Park Ji-Sung try to create an opening through the middle of the Villarreal defence. There is another free kick for United in a similar position to the last. The crowd roar for Rooney to take it but Van Nistelrooy takes it upon himself to do the honours. A mistake. However, his mis-hit shot does give United a corner. This is duly wasted.

Van der Sar, in a hurry, launches a long one up in to the Villarreal penaly area. Saha connects with his head but the linesman is well placed to penalise Van Nistelrroy for offside.

Saha backheels cutely to Rooney on the edge of the box. He turns brilliantly and, in a flash, hits a powerful shot which is always rising just too far. A fine effort and a reminder that, with just one flash of brilliance from the young Englishman, United could secure the goal which will surely net the three points.

United free kick, thirty five yards out. If Beckham was still here, he would have a crack. As it is, Ronaldo steps up and hits a weak effort a long way over the bar. Very poor and time is running out.

Rooney too is showing signs of exasperation. He concedes a foul and the magic he showed in the first half seems a long way off now.

Van Nistelrooy runs the ball in to the corner but Gonzalo is too clever to concede anything more dangerous than a throw in. The Dutchman's frustration then sees him foul Senna.

Louis Saha is on for Alan Smith.

Another free kick from Senna is hit in to the box and Figeuroa nearly connects. United need to be careful here.

Senna hits a free kick with pace over the United wall but is is straight at Van Der Sar. Villarreal are threatening more as the game goes on.

Sorin and Figueroa come close to creating an opening in the United penalty area but the final ball is over-hit.

Scholes and PArk Ji-Sung combine but once more the attack founders on the Spanish defence. Or more accurately the South American defence as that is where the majority of this Villarreal team hail from.

Smith disposessed but United win it back and Neville tries to hit in a cross. It is blocked, however, and United's attack breaks down.

Park Ji-Sung fouled on the right and before the free kick can be taken Gary Neville is brought on to replace Wes Brown. That is the famous match-winning substitute Gary NEville. His goals could come in handy.

Rooney charges forward and tries to link with Van Nistelrooy. They lose the ball but press the Villarreal defence in to conceding a throw once more. United need more of this tenacity as the game enters the final twenty minutes.

Smith wins the ball well in the middle before Park Ji-Sung creates some space for Wes Brown. He then picks out Ronaldo with a delighful ball. The Portuguese heads wide from eight yards when he should have done better. United's best chance.

The ref blows for offside on Rooney after a good ball in to the box from O'Shea. I retract my previous statement regarding the Irishman's crossing, although it is likely he changed boots at half time.

The game is heating up. Roger fouls O'Shea when the ball is in the air. He had no intention of challenging for the ball, as his gaze was fixed intently on O'Shea as the United defender rose to meet it. Straight after that Rooney is involved in a scuffle with Gonzalo Rodriguez.

Great tackle from O'Shea on Roger near United's penalty area. The Villarreal players are complaining that, since their man was down 'injured', United should have kicked the ball out of touch. Rubbish, frankly. There is nothing wrong with him.

United attack in numbers and after some good work between Rooney and Park Ji_Sung, Ronaldo drifts inside. His shot is hit straight at Barbosa.

Villarreal have a throw in deep in United territory. There is a general hush over Old Trafford at the minute. Things are not going entirely United's way.

Scholes and Tacchinardi are booked after a challenge where the ex-Juve man's studs are showing. Mainly all over Paul Scholes thigh. Scholes is unlucky to be carded. For once.

Silvestre has conceded a corner. Roger whips it in but Smith cushions a defensive header out to Ronaldo whose galloping run out of defence is ended prematurely by Senna. Who is booked for his trouble.

Park Si-Jung is getting ready to come on. The United midfield are having difficulties breaking down the defensive wall of Sorin and Senna so Fletcher makes way for the Korean.

Ronaldo attacks Venta down the right then protests that he was having his shirt tugged. The ref is not interested.