Rooney headers give United 3-2 win

Two Wayne Rooney headers midway through the second half gave Manchester United a slightly fortunate 3-2 win at Milan in a pulsating Champions League last 16 first leg yesterday.

Seven-times champions Milan, who had never lost to United at home or over two legs, were quickly ahead when Ronaldinho's volley deflected in off Michael Carrick following a free-kick from former United midfielder David Beckham.

The hosts had a series of other chances before Paul Scholes swung at a Darren Fletcher cross with his right foot, the ball hit his left shin and bobbled in off the post.

United then became favourites ahead of the second leg on March 10 when Rooney netted with headers after superb crosses from Antonio Valencia and Fletcher.

Substitute Clarence Seedorf pulled one back five minutes from time with a superb backheel but Milan failed to equalise after huge late pressure where United's Carrick was dismissed for two bookings.

"We started slowly but overall I thought we were the better team, but I was frustrated in the first half because some people were not doing their jobs right," Rooney told Sky Sports.

"At 3-1 I thought we were the only team likely to score again. But to win 3-2 at the San Siro is still a great result."

United fans again noisily protested against owners the Glazer family in Milan's main square before kick-off but they were soon silenced at a rocking 80,000 capacity San Siro.

Beckham sent in a free-kick and United left-back Patrice Evra made a hash of a clearance, sending the ball across the box where Ronaldinho was waiting to lash in a volley off Carrick.

The Brazilian is still not quite as sparkling as he was in his heyday at Barcelona but he produced several cute flicks and forced Edwin van der Sar into three neat saves.

Last year's runners-up found their way back into the game, however, and scored their first European Cup goal against Milan at the San Siro thanks to Scholes's 36th minute mishit.

Rooney, who worked tirelessly all night upfront alone, then sent a looping header into the top corner on 66 minutes after Valencia crossed with one of his first touches of the ball having replaced the lacklustre Nani.

An unmarked Rooney then proved again why he is fast becoming one of the best players in the world when he guided in Fletcher's well-weighted cross as United went a record 16 away matches unbeaten in the Champions League.

Beckham, who won the 1999 trophy with United, had a decent game in his first appearance against his former club and shot over with a trademark free-kick.

First upset

A spectacular goal by Jean Makoun gave Lyon a 1-0 win over Real Madrid last night, handing the Spaniards their first away defeat in this season's competition.

Lyon picked up their third successive home win over Real in the Champions League after the Cameroon midfielder drove a stunning 25-metre shot into the top corner of the net in the 47th minute.

Real, who last reached the quarter-finals in 2004, dominated possession but failed to create many chances despite Cristiano Ronaldo's efforts up front.

The Madrid club, who are hoping to reach the final in May at their own Bernabeu stadium, will entertain Lyon in the second leg on March 10.

"This is not a remarkable achievement as we want to qualify and there is still another game to play," Lyon coach Claude Puel told the TF1 channel.

"It will be even tougher in Madrid, we have to be prepared for that and it is a pity we did not double our advantage after the break."