Manchester United progress through to the last 16 of the Champions League despite being held to a scoreless draw at Villarreal. The Spanish outfit also progress to the next stage but despite being the home side seemed content to play for the draw.

United made all the running and should have claimed all three points but for a couple of fine saves by the Villarreal keeper Diego Lopez.

Ronaldo hit the woodwork in the first half but is more likely to be remembered by the Villarreal fans for his theatrical reaction to a challenge by Capdevilla which saw the full back receive a straight red for a high tackle.

Moments earlier the defender had been the hero when he headed a deflected Wayne Rooney shot off the line.

Only in the early minutes of the second half did the hosts pose any sort of threat as The Reds dictated play throughout.

All that needs to settled now is which of these two clubs will finish top of the Group E.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was in no doubt who was the more positive team.

"We deserved better, we were the better team," he told ITV1. "Second half we controlled possession and the goalkeeper made some saves but overall I was satisfied with the second half display.

"It's gets us through to the next phase which is the name of the game.

"They where happy to get as draw, as simple as that.

The sending off was fully justified said the Scottish tactician, who before the game had called for referees to protect Ronaldo.

"He was a strong referee and that's what is needed in football these days."