Sir Alex Ferguson's men were in control of the match for long periods. By and large, Fiorentina failed to exert any real pressure on the United's defence, their occasional forays into Red territory handled with comparative ease.

United manager Sir Alex Fergsuon was delighted with his players after their 3-1 win over Fiorentina. Ferguson hailed the demolition as the 'best performance of the season'. "I think the players, when they realise it's a big game, can lift themselves to these heights and the crowd were excellent tonight," beamed Ferguson. Ferguson was particularly pleased with the electric form shown by winger Ryan Giggs, who tormented the Italians all evening. "Ryan is in great form for us. He was magnificent," added Ferguson. "But I'm proud of all of them tonight."

Sir Alex Ferguson had appealed for the home supporters to be more vocal in their support for United, but the 15-minute delay for floodlight failure threatened to dampen the spirit inside Old Trafford. Any such fears were soon quashed though as both sides demonstrated their attacking intentions. Within 10 minutes both sides should have scored, and within 20, they both had.

Both Rui Costa and Andy Cole had had shots saved by the time Batistuta smashed the Italians into a shock lead after 16 minutes. It was a goal of inestimable quality, as the 31-year-old had no right to shoot from the position from which he collected the ball. Nevertheless he ghosted past Jaap Stam with unconscionable ease, then smacked a wickedly curling, dipping volley from 25 yards that had 'keeper Mark Bosnich first diving to his left, then twisting back to where he had started, all to no avail.

No 'keeper should expect to be beaten in the centre of his goal, but it would be a rough justice to blame the Australian stopper. The Italians' lead lasted just four minutes however, as Andy Cole struck back with a goal of equal quality but of even more significance. Receiving Gary Neville's cross on the edge of the box with his back to goal, the 28-year-old allowed himself one touch before spinning and firing home from 20 yards out.

It was Cole's 14th European goal, equaling Denis Law's record as Manchester United's top scorer in continental competition. Cole nearly struck again on 31 minutes, his improvised chip forcing a back-peddling Francesco Toldo to tip the ball over the bar, but the United faithful only had to wait another minute for their team to take the lead.

David Beckham's deep corner was met powerfully by the head of Henning Berg, partnering Stam in defence for the first time since these two teams met in Florence in October. Berg's header looped onto the crossbar and fell to Keane who rifled in a spectacular volley from ten yards. It was Keane's 12th European goal, bringing him just two behind new joint leaders Cole and Law.

Inevitably the second half struggled to live up to the first, as Fiorentina failed to question the United defence with any new ideas. The nail in Fiorentina's coffin came with the dismissal of Rossitto for a cynical foul on Dwight Yorke after 62 minutes. Seven minutes later Yorke exploited the subsequent man advantage with a headed goal. It ensured that United were able to stroll to a great victory, the Kings of Europe polished their crown on this night.