Berbatov double propels United

DIMITAR Berbatov finally broke his Manchester United duck as the Champions League holders swept aside Danish minnows Aalborg last night, but the win came at a cost as Paul Scholes suffered knee ligament damage.

Scholes had to be substituted after 16 minutes of the clash in Denmark following a challenge with Thomas Augustinussen, and the influential midfielder may now face six to eight weeks out of action.

Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed afterwards: "He has suffered ligament damage. At this moment in time it's difficult to say exactly how serious (it is), but it looks like the medial ligament, in which case it will be six to eight weeks, which is a bit of a blow."

Ferguson also faces an anxious wait to see the extent of an ankle injury which forced Wayne Rooney out of the game after an hour. "We are hoping it isn't ligament trouble," said the United manager. "He just felt his ankle. I would imagine he would be doubtful for the Blackburn game on Saturday."

After three matches without a goal, the whispers were already starting about Berbatov's effectiveness. But with one waft of the right boot, the 27-year-old showed why Ferguson was prepared to spend a club record £30.75million on acquiring his services.

It doubled a lead Rooney had provided for United midway through the opening period. And Berbatov added another as he finished off Cristiano Ronaldo's cross with a brilliant scissor kick 11 minutes from time. Ferguson was delighted with the Bulgarian's display. "Those goals will give him great confidence," said the Scot. "As a striker you always want to get a goal early after you have been transferred for that amount of money. He missed a good chance in the first half and he was maybe a bit frustrated by that. But he took his goals well, particularly the second. It was a real striker's finish and he will be happy with that."

Aalborg coach Bruce Rioch had won on both previous occasions that a team of his had entertained the Red Devils, but it quickly became apparent there was little likelihood of a hat-trick.

Berbatov seemed certain to break his duck as early as the sixth minute when Ronaldo half-blocked Karim Zaza's clearance, but the Bulgarian could not adjust his body quickly enough to turn the ball into an empty net. It was largely one-way traffic early on, although United's momentum was briefly halted when Scholes was stretchered off. Ryan Giggs came on in his place and the substitute duly created Rooney's opener.

Nani flicked a pass into Giggs' path and the Welshman immediately spotted an opportunity to release his young team-mate. The 22-year-old England man darted past Michael Beauchamp and slotted home the opener. With Rooney tormenting, Ronaldo teasing and Berbatov creating problems despite failing to find the net, Aalborg were fully stretched and only a last-ditch tackle from Steve Olfers prevented Rooney turning home Berbatov's near-post cross.

And fears for the Bulgarian's effectiveness were dispelled 10 minutes after the re-start when Augustinussen failed to control Olfers' square pass.

Berbatov was onto the loose ball in an instant, lashing it past Zaza as if his thunderous effort was merely routine. From his central midfield station, Giggs was producing the kind of forceful bursts United usually expect from Scholes. One such surge took him deep into the Aalborg box but he could only turn his shot into the sidenetting.

Berbatov and Ronaldo went close to increasing United's lead, as did substitute Carlos Tevez. Berba sealed the win with his acrobatic second 11 minutes from time.

Scotsman Rioch admitted his men were always up against it. "Let's face it, they are looking to take six points off us," he said. "Manchester United are one of the great teams in the world. It is a great joy just being able to play them."

Aalborg: Zaza, Bogelund, Olfers, Beauchamp (Caca 38), Pedersen, Augustinussen, Risgaard, Curth, Johansson, Enevoldsen, Saganowski. Subs not used: Stenild, Due, Braemer, Sorensen, Kristensen, Ronnie Schwartz Nielsen. Booked: Johansson, Zaza.

Manchester Utd: Van der Sar, Rafael Da Silva (Brown 66), Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Scholes (Giggs 16), O'Shea, Nani, Berbatov, Rooney (Tevez 59). Subs not used: Amos, Anderson, Park, Evans. Booked: Rafael Da Silva.