United into knockout stages

Manchester United's calm stroll through Champions League Group F continued at Old Trafford as they brushed aside Dynamo Kiev 4-0 to further fuel a growing belief this could be the season they emulate the European Cup heroes of 1968 and 1999.

Sir Alex Ferguson has challenged the modern-day Red Devils not to end their careers as 'nearly men'. And while Kiev represent nothing like the biggest obstacle on the path to glory in Moscow on May 21, the ease with which United achieved their victory suggests this could be a very special season.

Roma's last-minute equaliser in Lisbon confirmed United's place in the last 16, with top spot and a top seeding for the knockout phase to come providing Ferguson's side beat the Portuguese on this ground in three weeks' time.

It was Carlos Correa's foul on Nani that offered Cristiano Ronaldo the chance to float a free-kick into the Kiev box for the opener.

Michael Carrick's initial header cannoned into Carlos Tevez but the ball looped up kindly for Gerard Pique, who could easily have remained in Spain after a successful season on loan at Real Zaragoza last term to convert his first United goal.

United went two up after a 35-yard driving run from Tevez, he flicked a pass to Wayne Rooney, who instantly returned the compliment.

Suddenly, Tevez was in the clear and equally quickly, his shot was whistling in, his first European goal for the club he joined, ostensibly on loan for two seasons, in the summer.

Nani arced over a cross from the right near the end for Rooney to tap home a third, meaning only a touch from Arsenal's William Gallas is denying the 21-year-old a place on the scoresheet in nine successive games for club and country.

Ronaldo nudged his way ahead in their scoring duel, finishing off a fine solo effort in some style to complete the rout.

It took United's rampant recent run to 22 goals in six games, an amazing run which surely marks them out as one of the tournament favourites.