08/04/2002. Parma finish bottom of the Amsterdam Tournament after being largely outplayed as Manchester United beat them 3-0 in the ArenA today, leaving the Red Devils level on points with Barcelona, who face Ajax later this evening.
United were deservedly ahead at half time after having by far the better of the opening 45 minutes.
The goal arrived midway through the first half and was provided by the unlikely sight of Wes Brown on the right flank. His fine far post cross was tapped in by Ryan Giggs, giving the keeper no chance.
It was no more than the Premiership side had warranted as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had earlier fired a shot across goal, whilst Nicky Butt drilled an effort inches wide. After Giggs' goal, the impressive looking Diego Forlan came close when he shot wide at the near post with Giggs turning provider this time.
Parma rarely looked like breaking down United's strong backline although Roy Carroll was forced into a couple of saves, notably from Donati whose near post shot looked to be creeping in before the Irishman tipped it wide.
Early in the second half, United went for the jugular and it paid off with two more goals in the space of ten minutes, although in truth it could have been five.
A glorious chip from Juan Sebastian Veron and a near post Solskjaer header after Frey had gifted the ball to Beckham on the right, gave United their comfortable cushion, however among the goals came other chances.
Within 15 seconds of the restart, Giggs was denied his second goal when Frey made a fine near post save, whilst Forlan did his reputation in front of goal no good when he blazed over whilst clear through. Solskjaer was also foiled by the keeper a minute before his goal when his deflected shot was saved.
Parma made a number of changes in the opening twenty minutes of the half, and it certainly unsettled what little rhythm they had, although Nakata was unlucky to see his shot sail off target.
The latter stages of the game were largely a matter of playing out time as the improvement of match fitness and tactical fine tuning became the order of the day, although late sub Rob Keane almost added a fourth when his shot was brilliantly tipped wide, only for the ref to remarkably award a goal kick.
Overall, the two games have doubtless be a valuable exercise for both clubs. Only time will tell if the faults uncovered will have been patched up and resolved when the new campaigns kick off.
Summary:
Manchester United (1) 3 (Giggs 23, Veron 50, Solskjaer 55)
Parma (0) 0
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