UEFA Champions League

Manchester Utd

2-0

VfB Stuttgart

 

van Nistelrooy
Giggs

 

  
 

Old Trafford, Manchester

 

 

09 December 2003



English players in action: Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes (all Man Utd)

The most pleasing thing that Sven will have taken from the match was to see Paul Scholes back from his spell on the sidelines.

Scholes, who has 59 caps to his name, has missed three of England's five matches so far this season and last night saw him making his first start since recovering from his groin operation.

The midfielder, who had a prolific goal-scoring season last year, settled into the game quickly and after ten minutes tested Stuttgart's excellent young keeper Timo Hildebrand with a powerful long-range shot.

Other than that Scholes had a good match in the heart of the side, dictating the pace of the game along with his midfield partner Phil Neville.

Neville has been one of United's most consistent players this season and his new role in the centre of midfield is one that the 26-year-old has found to his liking. Like Scholes, he spread play well and was usually the man who linked United's back four with the likes of van Nistelrooy and Giggs.

Gary Neville was his usual dependable self and indeed he almost scored when a shot of his deflected off Horst Heldt.

The win ensured that United won Group E and thus avoided the other sectional winners, such as Real Madrid and Milan.