NEWS

European champions Manchester United won the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2008 presented by Toyota by edging South American champions Liga de Quito of Ecuador 1-0 Sunday night at International Stadium Yokohama.

England forward Wayne Rooney scored the only goal in the second half. Rooney was the tournament’s top scorer and was named MVP of the Tournament.
Despite playing with only 10 men after the 49th-minute dismissal of defender Nemanja Vidic, United overwhelmed the South Americans, with their slick attack creating numerous chances in the first half.
Cristiano Ronaldo tormented the South Americans with his pace and skills, while Rooney had the opposition goal in his sights, unleashing a barrage of shots and hitting the post shortly before halftime. Carlos Tevez tried his luck in the 22nd and 33rd minutes, while former J. Leaguer Park Ji Sung had a try in the 35th minute. But they were frustrated by some fine goalkeeping from Quito’s Jose Cevallos.
With the 68,682 fans in the stands looking for more action in the second half, United went down to 10 men four minutes after the break when Vidic was red-carded for elbowing an opponent.
However, United continued to attack and could have gone ahead earlier through Ronaldo and Rooney, but Cevallos was looking unbeatable in the Quito goal.
After the hour mark, Quito came into the game more, with Alejandro Manso leading his team. The Argentine midfielder forced United goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar to punch out his mid-range attempt in the 63rd minute and William Araujo tested the Dutch goalkeeper again in the 71st minute.
But it was United who broke the deadlock. In the 73rd minute, Ronaldo fed Rooney, who ran into the left side of the box and beat Cevalloes with a low shot.
Manso threatened the United goal two minutes from time but United protected their lead.
“It’s a shame that we couldn’t prevail as we came here to win the tournament,” said Quito boss Edgardo Bauza. “But I’m feeling content and am proud of our team and our players.”
“It took us around 20 minutes for our players to get used to Manchester’s speedy passing and the atmosphere at the stadium. When they went down to 10 men, I thought we would have a good chance to beat them, but we couldn’t capitalize on our advantage.”
“The sending off made it difficult for us,” said United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. “It affected the penetration we were showing in the first half. After that, I made sure we played with more discipline so we wouldn’t give up a goal.
“But we still had a good attitude and still tried to win the match, so I’m pleased with the performance.”
Asked about Rooney award, Ferguson commented, “Wayne deserved that. He had a very, very good performance and scored a magnificent goal.”
The Club World Cup will take place in the United Arab Emirates in 2009 and 2010 before returning to Japan in 2011 and 2012.