ManU downs MLS All-Stars, 4-0

Manchester United was surgical in its precision. Surgical, too, in its dismantling of the MLS All-Stars.

Oh sure, the Red Devils gave them a shot. After last year's shellacking, the All-Stars controlled pace of play for a heady opening 20 minutes, almost as if to say, "it won't be quite so easy, this time."

By halftime, it was that easy. Led by sparkling play by Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney, United defeated the best MLS had to offer, 4-0, Wednesday night at Red Bull Arena. Despite spates of inspired play, it was a relatively paltry show for the All-Stars, who were playing without Landon Donovan (calf), and who were facing a United squad that had defeated all three of its MLS opponents this month. It was perhaps an unfair advantage for the Red Devils, so close to regular-season form and playing against a side that coach Hans Backe said had "about 45 minutes" of practicing together.

"It's not embarrassing," David Beckham said, pointing to strong first-half play and adding that it was "a shame it didn't continue."

"You're playing against one of the best teams in the world. It was an honor to be out there," he said.

The All-Stars looked to have the advantage before United struck on a skittering goal off Anderson's left foot in the 20th minute. This, after a technically brilliant give-and-go between Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov, whose quick side-shuffle to Anderson helped deke a diving Faryd Mondragon for the opening score.

With United playing an offense-stifling 4-3-3, the All-Stars were forced into aggressive, long-range, shots -- highlighted by Beckham (a 20-yard laser that was punched over the crossbar by Anders Lindergaard) and Brad Davis (ditto) in the 23rd and 29th minutes.

Ji-Sung Park's surgical strike inside the far post gave United a 2-0 halftime advantage.

Berbatov added a balletic score in the 52nd minute. He chipped Rooney's centering pass over the head of Tally Hall; the shot hit the crossbar, but Berbatov corralled the rebound with his chest and sent a midair strike to the back of the net. Danny Welbeck's goal in the 68th minute provided the final margin.Beckham, far recovered from the Achilles injury that knocked him out of the World Cup, played all 90 minutes, the only MLS starter to do so.

"It was a lively pitch," United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said of the first half. "Once we shortened our game and played combination plays, we looked like the better team."