Rooney leads United's youngsters

Alex Ferguson’s team of youngsters were handed probably the toughest task of Manchester United’s Champions League campaign so far against Roma in the Stadio Olimpico.

Having left most of his star men at home, Ferguson trusted Wayne Rooney to lead a side containing eight full internationals but lacking in European experience to face the Serie A outfit, desperate for revenge following their humiliating 7-1 mauling at Old Trafford in April.

Johnny Evans, Danny Simpson and Gerard Pique were among the starters for United, while academy graduates Sam Hewson and Febian Brandy stood by to make their debuts off the bench.

Roma: Doni, Cicinho, Ferrari, Mexes, Barusso, Antunes, Pizarro, Esposito, Taddei, Mancini, Totti. Subs: Bertagnoli, Panucci, Juan, Vucinic, Giuly, De Rossi, Pit.

Man Utd: Kuszczak, Simpson, Pique, Evans, O’Shea, Eagles, Fletcher, Carrick, Nani, Saha, Rooney. Subs: Heaton, Brown, Dong, Lee, Hewson, Brandy, Eckersley.

Referee: Martin Hansson (Sweden)