Champions League: United thrash Nantes at Old Trafford

Manchester United took a big step towards the Champions League quarter-finals with a 5-1 thrashing of Nantes.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer celebrated his 29th birthday with two goals at Old Trafford.

But United had to come from behind after Frederic Da Rocha had given Nantes a 17th minute lead.

David Beckham equalised with a brilliant 25-yard free-kick two minutes later.

Headers from Solskjaer and Mikael Silvestre gave United a 3-1 half-time lead.

Ruud van Nistelrooy added the fourth from a 64th minute penalty after he had been fouled by Nestor Ariel Fabbri.

Solskjaer completed the rout with a 78th minute header from Beckham's free-kick.