Manchester United keeper Edwin van der Sar said that the opening goal changed the course of the Champions League tie.

Wayne Rooney opened the scoring in the 13th minute and Milan were left chasing the game from there on.

As it turned out, it was United to turned a comfortable lead into a rout with goals from Wayne Rooney (2), Ji-Sung Park and Darren Flectcher making up the 4-0 scoreline.

Speaking to Italian channel Rai, the Dutchman said: The first goal was the turning point, as after that Milan had to score three at Old Trafford and that is very difficult."

"We are organised in defence and also strong up front. Milan had some chances in the first half, so we are happy to be in the next round.

"We discussed Milan, but the manager said it was more important the way we played. We needed to keep the tempo high for the first 15 minutes especially and that is how we broke through, making it very difficult for them."

The shotstopper said that the team did not miss Cristiano Ronaldo, given Rooney's sensational form at the moment.

"We play differently now. Milan also lost Kaka, another exceptional player, but Rooney has done better than last season and scored four against Milan."

"He even got three headers in the two ties despite not being very tall, so timing is crucial. Rooney has specific characteristics.

"I've played with Zinedine Zidane, Pippo Inzaghi and Ronaldo, but he has an immense hunger for football and wants to do everything in every game."