An under-strength Manchester United sent strong signals to European and domestic rivals last night when they comfortably held a revenge seeking AS Roma side at Rome’s Olympic Stadium. It was one of the best performances by United’s second-string side which proves the fact that the Red Devils do have a strong set of replacements. United may not have Arsenal’s stupendous bench-strength which boasts of some of the most talented world footballers but young Spanish defender Gerard Pique’s performance against a seasoned Italian team does provide some light into Old Trafford’s talentbase.

Sir Alex Fergusson travelled to the Italian capital with one eye on Sunday’s English Premiership clash with Liverpool at Anfield. Having won all previous group games in this year’s competition, the legendary manager rested important names from the match. But the reduced strength did not prevent the English champions taking the lead in the 34th minute through a fine Pique header. Although Roma equalised 20 minutes from time courtesy of a cracking Mancini goal, United never looked like surrendering the match with a typically controlled European away performance.

The creditable draw with such an inexperienced lineup was somewhat marred with reports of a repeat of April’s violence between Roma and United fans. The violence outside the stadium proves English supporters’ vulnerability away from home in addition to repeated violent incidents that have gripped Italian football over the last few years. Rome is one of the most violent footballing cities with incidents of violence among Lazio and Roma fans regularly getting reported. It is upto UEFA and the Italian Football Federation to address the issue, otherwise Italian clubs might come under strict vigilance and ultimately suspension from elite tournaments.