Group D
Villarreal 0-0 Manchester United
The red mist descended on the Red Devils in the El Madrigal stadium last night, as Wayne Rooney was sent off in Manchester United’s 0-0 draw with Villareal.
The striker – who last week was embroiled in an on field row with England team mate David Beckham – received a second yellow card after he ironically applauded referee Kim Nelson’s decision to book him for a seemingly innocuous challenge on Quique Alvarez.
Though disdainful of Nelson’s decision to brandish the initial yellow card, United manager Alex Ferguson conceded that he could not defend Rooney’s actions.
“You can’t applaud the referee (in such a fashion),” he remarked after the game. “He gave himself no chance whatsoever – especially with that referee”.
To make the night worse for Sir Alex, defender Gabriel Heinze incurred a knee injury that could leave him sidelined for the next six weeks.
Despite the result, both team’s had chances to win the game. United came closest through Ruud Van Nistlerooy, who’s close range effort was cleared off the line by Gonzalo Rodrigo,; Villareal through Rodolfo Aruuaberrena, who forced a fine save from Edwin Van der Saar in the United goal.
