Hopes that the voluptuous Italian actress Sabrina Ferilli would strip naked in public if her beloved Roma won the Champions League in May also evaporated.

After each result in the tournament, the French sports daily L'Equipe prints a number that signifies the percentage of teams that go through after a certain result.

When it comes to 2-0 wins away from home, the number is 100.

No team have ever overturned a result like this, especially at Old Trafford, where Roma were crushed 1-7 last season.

United manager Alex Ferguson, however, was taking nothing for granted.

Ruud compliment RUUD van Nistelrooy believes the player who has taken over his role at Manchester United is capable of becoming the world's best footballer. 'Cristiano's development has been the big change since I left,' the Real Madrid striker told Inside United. ... more RELATED LINKS  TWO UNITED GOALS

He said: 'We know Roma captain Francesco Totti is an inspirational figure and he will be back. But we also know what Old Trafford can be on a big European night and we will be ready for him.'

But Cristiano Ronaldo, who was deployed as a centre-forward, is already looking to the final. This, after his 36th goal of an incredible season and Wayne Rooney's toe-poke earned United only their fourth away win in the competition.

'We have a great chance to win the competition now. This team are playing fantastic football and we have matured,' said the 23-year-old Ronaldo, who is usually a winger.

'I think it was a great header tonight and I feel very happy to have scored another goal, but the most important thing is that the team won the game. It was a good performance.'

No player has matured more than the Portuguese this season. His seventh European goal of the season, in a cauldron that booed him with every touch, has now killed the myth that he lacks the temperament to deliver on the big stage, reported The Times.

And the winger scored despite the gamble Ferguson took of playing him as a lone striker, getting over his initial blooding-in.

First, a dummy failed to fool David Pizarro, then Rodrigo Taddei's firm challenge left him punching the pitch in frustration.

There was a kick in the foot from the Frenchman Philippe Mexes for good measure, and then a lecture by the referee for protesting a decision, reported The Independent.

Then Ronaldo conjured his goal shortly before half-time.

Rooney's slightly over-hit pass to Paul Scholes was collected and chipped deftly into the box, seemingly to no one.

But Ronaldo came thundering in to meet it with a firm header, injuring himself in the process.

'His goal changed the game for us,' said Ferguson, a former striker himself, who then paid him what must be the supreme compliment in his eyes.

'His spring surprised the defender; I thought he believed Ronaldo would not get there. It was a real centre-forward's header. It reminded me of me.'

Ronaldo also embarrassed the Romans with step-overs, but defended his actions.

'There are plays that I do for the good of the team and never to ridicule my opponents. I tried to do the best for Manchester United and not to make a show. It's just a part of who I am.'

The British newspapers screamed with delight: 'He came, he soared, he conquered', 'It's Rome sweet Rome', 'Rocket Ron ruins Roma'.

But there is also greater significance to United's win.

Barring an improbable comeback from Roma next Wednesday, there will be no Serie A representative in this season's Champions League semi-finals.

Arsenal accounted for defending champions AC Milan, Liverpool defeated Serie A leaders Inter and now United have virtually taken care of Roma, considered by many the most skilful team in the land of the World Cup holders.

The English Premier League, with its money, has raised the bar in Europe, and nearly every other team are struggling to keep up.

Roma did deserve something more on Tuesday, but for all the wing play of Mancini, the forceful running of Mirko Vucinic and the belligerence of Daniele de Rossi, they did not possess match winners in the quality of Ronaldo and Rooney.

Even when United lost defender Nemanja Vidic to an early and worrying knee injury and were on the back foot for 15 minutes in the second half, they could not be cracked.

Roma's wastefulness was shocking. Midfielder Max Tonetto shot wide from just seven metres and Christian Panucci hoofed another close-range shot.

Against the run of play, United made the game safe.

Wes Brown crossed from the right, Park Ji Sung headed back across goal and when goalkeeper Doni spilt the ball, it bounced kindly off Rooney's back, leaving him with the simplest of tap-ins.

Roma may not have been built in a day, but they were certainly destroyed in a night.

LUCKY UNITED

'The result is difficult to explain. My team made all the running. United were lucky.'

ROMA COACH LUCIANO SPALLETTI

YEAH, LUCKY UNITED

'We rode our luck in the second half. Roma had some good chances in the first 15 minutes, and failed to take them. That's when you get a little break in a football match.'

MANCHESTER UNITED MANAGER ALEX FERGUSON