Rooney Breaks Beckham’s Heart; AC Milan, Real Madrid Eliminated From Champions League

Manchester, United Kingdom (AHN) – David Beckham made an emotional, but ultimately disappointing return to Old Trafford on Wednesday as his AC Milan side lost 4-0 on the night and were eliminated from the European Champions League 7-2 on aggregate.

Wayne Rooney was the Manchester United hero in the first leg three weeks ago, and so it proved again in the second-leg as United romped home.

Having scored more headers in the month of February than he had in his entire previous career, there was an air of inevitability about Rooney and United’s 13th minute opener.

Leaping to meet a Gary Neville cross an unmarked Rooney nodded powerfully home to put United 4-2 ahead on aggregate.

With Beckham only on the bench for AC Milan, United smelled blood and, having survived a couple of scares, put the tie to bed just after half-time.

Rooney grabbed his second on 46 minutes after good work down the left from Nani, before Ji Sung Park smashed in a third to put the tie beyond all doubt.

With the visitors looking like the aging squad their critics have labled them, David Beckham was re-introduced to the Old Trafford crowd to a massive roar.

It was an emotional moment for the on loan LA Galaxy star, who later donned a yellow and green scarf to show his support for the supporters group trying to oust United’s US based owners, the Glazer family.

Beckham showed an intent that had been sadly missing from his teammates, whipping in a series of dangerous crosses as well as smashing a volley straight at Edwin Van der Sar.

The midfielder;s efforts, though commendable, were in vain and it came as no surprise when Darren Fletcher headed home United’s 4th late on.

The 4-0 final scoreline was no more than United deserved after a energetic performance which was full of quality and guile compared to the tired weary showing offered by the visitors.

Elsewhere Cristiano Ronaldo, who left Old Trafford seeking a fresh challenge, may be forgiven for wondering if he had made the best decision as his Real Madrid side drew 1-1 with Lyon to fall 2-1 on aggregate.

Ronaldo himself levelled the tie when he gave Real an early 1-0 lead, but a series of wasted chances left the door open for the French side.

Given a second life Lyon stormed out in the second half and created a number of chances themselves before Miralem Pjanic grabbed the winning goal after drifting in at the back post to score.

The tally sent Lyon, not the much fancied Madrid, through to the quarterfinals.

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