Maldini sinks United's ship

By Ivan Carvalho

Manchester United FC's UEFA Champions League tie against AC Milan seemed like the perfect stage for youngsters Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo to cement their European reputation. However, as things turned out, it was a man almost twice their age who stole the show.

Huge experience
Every time Paolo Maldini steps out on to pitch at the San Siro to face Europe's premier clubs the defender inevitably gets a sense of déjà vu. After all, there is not much that the 36-year-old has not seen in the course of helping AC Milan win the European Champion Clubs' Cup four times.

Glorious era
In May 1989, when Milan won 4-0 against FC Steaua Bucuresti in the European Champion Clubs' Cup final at the Camp Nou, Maldini was the emerging 20-year-old star in a defence that included Milan great Franco Baresi. That defence and the Dutch attacking trio of Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard would help kickstart the start of a glorious era for the Maldini-powered Milan.

Precious asset
In a playing career that now spans 20 years, Maldini's expertise at stifling opposition attackers is a precious asset in a competition where the margin for error is razor thin. The defender, who has proved his prowess in the centre as well at left-back, put his wealth of knowledge to good use as Milan's backline shut United out for 180 minutes to win 2-0 on aggregate.

Youngsters thwarted
The first leg saw Maldini and his defence completely demoralise Rooney and Ronaldo. At Old Trafford, Rooney was conspicuously absent from the highlights reel while Ronaldo was taken off after an hour to make room for Ruud van Nistelrooij. Frustrated United coach Sir Alex Ferguson later commented: "Maldini was really important for them in the first match."

'Close eye'
For Maldini and his brethren in the backline, who have been in exceptionally mean form in recent weeks, the Old Trafford performance was business as usual. "We knew it was important to prevent United from scoring and that meant we had to keep a close eye on Rooney," said Maldini after the first leg.

Experience counts
Milan coach and long-time Maldini supporter Carlo Ancelotti hinted as much after the return when he said: "The two teams were evenly matched but it was experience that provided the key to our success." Both Van Nistelrooij, who is the scourge of Europe with 36 goals, and Rooney were unable to manage a single shot on target as Maldini and his charges Alessandro Nesta and Jaap Stam reigned supreme.

Unfinished product
Perhaps the best tribute given to the Milan captain following the two victories came from Sir Alex. "I think over the two games it was the experience of Milan that made the difference," he said. "With young players [Rooney and Ronaldo] who are not the final product, it is tough in these kind of games."

Parting shot
There was only a hint of a chuckle in the United manager's voice as he concluded: "If Maldini carries on for another four or five years I think I will quit."