Ronaldo gave them an early lead as he controlled a ball with his back towards a goal, and back-heeled it in through his marker's legs and past a surprised Scott Carson.
He then set up Carlos Tevez with a spectacular cross, the Argentine heading in to make it 2-0. The third was also a piece of magic from the winger as he back-heeled a cross into Wayne Rooney's path, the striker calmly rounding Carson and slorring in.
Eventually, United’s play made a fourth inevitable. This side simply look threatening with every attack. Rooney beat Carson from 12 yards at the goalkeeper’s near post after fine link-up play from Giggs, Tevez and Ronaldo, inevitably.
Paul Scholes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney - players sure to feature in Rome and prime for a little rest - were not substituted, while Michael Carrick, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra came off instead, the latter two in particular not being usual candidates for substitutions.
Sir Alex explained after the game that they had all picked up minor hamstring strains, caused most probably by the heaviness of the pitch due to the downpour in Manchester which was consistent throughout the game.
They, along with Ryan Giggs and first choice goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, will be doubts for the Red Devils' crucial quarterfinal first leg clash against Roma at Stadio Olimpico this week.
"I had to make the changes because of injuries," explained Sir Alex.
"Carrick, Rio and Patrice Evra all had injuries and then Giggs got injured towards the end. With the rain continually coming down, the pitch was starting to prove very heavy and that can be a problem with hamstrings. Hopefully they'll be all right (for Rome).
"Edwin van der Sar may be a doubt for Tuesday.
"He’s got a groin problem again, it’s happened two or three times in the last few weeks. We'll see how he is over the next few days. Not risking him today gives us a better chance."
United kick-off against Roma on Tuesday night at 19:45 GMT (20:45 CET)
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