Dynamo Kiev go down 2-4 to United

This was the third successive match in which United have scored four goals. With a vibrant display of attacking football, aided and abetted by some diabolical defending, Ferguson's team moved to the brink of a place in the knockout stages.

The last time United scored more than three goals on the road in Europe they went on to win the Champions League. There remains much to do before repeating that triumph but, to illustrate their creative potential, with better finishing last night they could have exceeded the six goals they put past Brondby in Copenhagen nine years ago this week.

This was their third straight victory in Group F and United will be confident of securing a fourth in the return at Old Trafford a fortnight's hence. Should Roma also take at least a point from Sporting in Lisbon the same night United will qualify.

Ferdinand, Rooney, and Ronaldo (2), were all on the scoresheet.