Ronaldo brace helps United cruise past Hammers
Ronaldo benefitted from the approach work of Berbatov and Nani
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Wednesday, 29, Oct 2008 11:38
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a first-half brace to help Manchester United ease past West Ham United 2-0, but it was Dimitar Berbatov who stole the show.
His exquisite back-heel set up Ronaldo for his second of the game and will have United fans making instant comparisons to legend Eric Cantona.
The Bulgarian seemingly strolled through the match but was also at the heart of many United attacks, providing classy touches to find team-mates in space.
Winger Nani was equally impressive during a first half where United ran riot against the Hammers.
The Portuguese international flashed a shot wide of Robert Green's goal after just two minutes, which was a sign of what was still to come.
United were playing 18-year-old Brazilian right-back Rafael Da Silva and he impressed in support of Ronaldo down the right.
With Nani wreaking havoc on the opposite flank the Hammers defence was stretched and it was no surprise when Nani ghosted in to the box and picked out Ronaldo to score United's first.
Anderson nearly notched his first goal for the club but could not find the target from inside the box.
It was then the turn of Berbatov to shine. Seemingly isolated on the byeline he was able to turn James Collins, back-heeling the ball and pirouetting past the defender.
He then unselfishly squared the ball to Ronaldo who had a simple tap in.
It was no surprise that United could not match the intensity and quality they showed in the first half during the second 45 minutes but they still controlled most of the game.
Craig Bellamy managed to fashion a rare chance for West Ham but his shot dipped just over the bar with Tomasz Kuszczak beaten.
Wayne Rooney came off the bench and forced Green to tip the ball over the bar. But by then United had the game sewn up.