They embraced an atmosphere as tense and nervous as any in Old Trafford's European history and reminded us that football is not all about blood and baton charges.

By contrast, when United are in the mood which brought them a 7-1 triumph over Roma for an 8-3 victory on aggregate which earned their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League then it is easy to see why football is the most popular game on the planet.

This was magical, a performance true to the swashbuckling traditions of England's most famous club. Stunning in its execution.

So much so that you would have to turn the pages of history back to the Champions League triumph of 1999 and the European Cup win of 1968 and the five-goal slaying of Benfica in the Stadium of Light by the brilliance of George Best to eclipse a night such as this.

And even then it is doubtful that a United side has ever swept aside such elite European opposition in more devastating style.

Three goals up inside 20 minutes, four up by half-time. And all accomplished in that unique United fashion.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, of course, had all but predicted it.

While the critics voiced their concerns he had remained calm, saying: "The players have proved they can handle pressure. The nature of this club is to recover well from defeat."

That was defeat in the first leg and defeat, too, on Saturday in the Barclays Premiership against Portsmouth when they had appeared uncertain, especially in defence.

Had United been rumbled? Was a season which they had dominated so long about to go belly up?

By the time referee Lubos Michel's watch had ticked past 20 minutes, we had the emphatic answer.

Michael Carrick's opener was a wonderfully crisp and precise strike.

Alan Smith's second was the reward for the courage and spirit he has shown since breaking a leg 14 months ago.

The third, turned in by Wayne Rooney, was simply United at their best - wonderfully fluent football involving Smith and the incomparable Ryan Giggs to supply the pass for Rooney to turn home.

There may have been a more swaggering start to a European tie but I doubt it.

And that is before we have come to Cristiano Ronaldo. Now there are some who contend Ronaldo is a master of football's dark arts and he has been known to suffer from falling-down disease in the penalty area.

But when he is good, boy, is he good. Not so much a footballer as a force of nature.

Not only does he carry the football swifter than any other footballer alive he seems to mature by the week into a master craftsman at making and scoring goals.

His first of the night was pure Ronaldo, a shimmying positive run followed by the firmest of shots past Doni, a Roma goalkeeper rapidly taking on a shellshocked air. His second a mere tap-in.

At least a tap-in compared to United's other strikes on a night when they unveiled the genuine quality which is the latest creation of their manager.

No wonder Ferguson has no thoughts of retiring. No wonder he has no intention of bequeathing a side he believes has the potential to rule domestically and in Europe for the foreseeable future.

No-one, not even Roman Abramovich, can buy the satisfaction Ferguson must have felt at witnessing his creation flower on such an important stage.

The highlight? For Ferguson it would have to be Carrick's second goal and United's sixth, a fabulous 20-yard strike from a player some said Ferguson had overvalued at £18.6million when he bought him from Tottenham last year.

Carrick has been a slow burner but, with England manager Steve McClaren watching, that fee now looks a bargain.

For the record Patrice Evra scored the seventh as Ferguson marched into the semi-finals of the tournament he prizes the most.

On this form who would bet against United lifting the trophy in Athens next month? Who would bet against them emulating the treble they secured in 1999?

No-one should. Not after 90 minutes when United reminded us that 'Beautiful football' is the best way to winning football.