Bos

Bos' first class performance saves Red Devils.

Ferguson had hoped Roy Keane and Paul Scholes would control the midfield.
Instead, it was Fernando Redondo who called the shots for long periods.
the probing of Savio, Fernando Morientes, Raul and even Steve McManaman made Stam's rock-solid contribution in front of Bosnich all the more crucial.

At times it was nervy, desperate stuff with United's back-line defending right on the edge of the precipice as Madrid's movement around the box belied the pre-match concerns of their fans and players alike.

That is why United will have to be so precise at Old Trafford. One mistake could be fatal again.

And that makes Cole's first-half miss all the more crucial. Nobody would deny the striker's effort. Indeed, in stark contrast to the listless Dwight Yorke, Cole was a non-stop toiler, switching left when Giggs moved inside, taking the punishment, always wanting the ball.

But at the highest level you have to take the glaring opportunities and all the doubts about Cole's ability to deliver when it really matters were summed up in the 26th minute.

David Beckham, forced to spend too much time tracking the marauding Roberto Carlos, delivered his right-wing corner expertly and Stam rose above the Madrid defense at the near post.

His flick took goalkeeper Iker Casillas out of the game - leaving him scrambling across the line in hope more than expectation as Cole jumped under the crossbar.

Any sort of on-target contact and United would have been ahead. Cole rose, nodded at the ball and watched in horror as it flew over the top.

The reaction of the United players, collectively throwing hands to heads in gestures of disgust, told the story. It was tough for Cole, who had forced an excellent save from Casillas shortly before his glaring error.

But when the harsh judgments are made - by Kevin Keegan and others - it will be the misses which are remembered as much, if not more, than the chances taken.

Other than that, United offered little. Yorke did have the ball in the net with the final act of the first half after Casillas had fumbled the otherwise disappointing Scholes' shot but the flag was up even before the scorer could celebrate.

In contrast to United, Real peppered Bosnich from the start and the Australian was winning over his Old Trafford critics with every stop. Early parries to foil Michel Salgado, McManaman - with, of all things, a header - and Raul were just the overtures before the main act.

McManaman released the wandering Savio, whose instant touch played Morientes
through on goal. The striker hit his right-footer well enough but Bosnich, alive and alert, dived low to his left to fist away. He deserved the luck which followed as United were first to the loose ball.

It was a vital save which will perhaps seem all the more important after the second leg but, while Giggs' perceptive running offered a path to goal for United, Bosnich was still their busiest performer.

Roberto Carlos tried his luck on at least six occasions, whistling two shots just outside the frame of the goal, then demanding the most secure handling by Bosnich when he drilled a free-kick through the wall at the start of the second period.

Keane briefly began to stem the tide and there were occasions when Giggs' pace hinted that United might make a breakthrough, even if Beck-ham was only able to get forward and whip in those trademark crosses twice late on.

One of those saw Teddy Sheringham, on for Yorke, flash in a header which the United fans initially believed had gone in.

But the match was to end as it began, with Bosnich rescuing United. Salgado was foiled before McManaman - his customary, frustrating mix - outpaced Henning Berg to find substitute Elvir Bolic at the far post. United where thankful for Bosnich's reflexes again.

Proof that the goalkeeper was having an inspired night came when Morientes' brilliant back-heel sent McManaman clean through. The former Liverpool man would have loved to sink United but Bosnich spread himself wide to block and ensure deadlock.