Accompanied by apparent jeers from the fans, Manchester United were unable to secure a victory and confirm their status as the best club in Europe or indeed the world as some would place them.

UEFA Cup champions Zenit beat Champs League holders United 2-1 with goals from Pavel Pogrebnyak on 44 mins. and Danny 14 mins. into the second half.

Vidic pulled one back for United 28 mins into the second half as they tried to make a match of it but Zenit were always in control.

Zenit could have easily scored again on several occasions in the late stages of the match as a desperate United pushed forward leaving gaps in the defense.

ESPN Brasil commentators suggested that perhaps the recently concluded Olympic games had a profound impact on Manchester, as Park threw himself taekwondo style at the Zenit keeper and  Scholes decided to show off his volleyball skills late in the match.

The latter would get Scholes sent off as he committed his second bookable offense punching the ball into the Zenit goal `a la Maradona` style.

Sir Alex chewed his gum, the clock winded down and in the end Zenit emerged as the Champions of the UEFA Super Cup.