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United crowned world champions

LDU de Quito 0-1 Manchester United FC
United became the first English club to win the FIFA Club World Cup after a Wayne Rooney goal gave them victory against Liga de Quito in Japan.

United captain Rio Ferdinand lifts the FIFA World Club Cup trophy in Yokohama
United captain Rio Ferdinand lifts the FIFA World Club Cup trophy in Yokohama ©Getty Images

LDU de Quito 0-1 Manchester United FC
Manchester United FC won the FIFA Club World Cup after a Wayne Rooney goal gave them victory against LDU de Quito at the International Stadium in Yokohama, Japan.

Early domination
The 2008 UEFA Champions League winners dominated the early stages against their South American counterparts with Rooney, Carlos Tévez and Ji-Sung Park all testing José Cevallos in the goal for the Ecuadorian side. Jayro Campos spurned the Liga de Quito's best opportunity of the opening period when Damián Manso delivered a dangerous set-piece.

Rooney winner
The second half started poorly for United as centre-back Nemanja Vidić was sent off following a clash with Argentinian forward Claudio Bieler. However, they continued to enjoy the better of the exchanges and took the lead with 17 minutes remaining when Cristiano Ronaldo found Rooney, who finished clinically. Liga de Quito threw men forward as they searched for an equaliser but United held on to succeed AC Milan as world club titleholders and become the first English club to win the competition, having been the only team from their nation to lift the predecessor European/South American Cup in 1999.