United midfielder Paul Scholes was sent off for the second time in four games for two yellow card offences just thirty four minutes in to the game. The first was a nasty two footed tackle which he could have been sent off for, the second was given when Italian forward Francesco Totti through himself over Scholes outstretched leg. It was a harsh decision that would cost United on the night.

Roma needed just ten minutes to engineer the space required to allow them to score the opening goal. Taddei scoring from the middle of the Manchester United penalty area with the help of a deflection from a United defender.

United continued to battle on and off the pitch against the Italians, the players against the treat posed by AS Roma and the fans against the relentless beatings being offered by the Italian Police. During half time the Police set upon the United fans who were being provoked through a Perspex fence by the Roma Ultras. Another demonstration of needless violence in Italian football, not what one would expect from the home of the world champions.

Rooney ended his goal drought to bring the Red Devils level on the hour. However it was not enough as substitute Vucinic scored just five minutes after being introduced to give the home side the lead before the return leg in Old Trafford.

There will be an investigation in to the violence which could see one of the sides removed from the competition.