Ronaldo Scores To Give United Win At St. Andrews

Cristiano Ronaldo struck five minutes after half-time to give Manchester United victory at Birmingham and move them second in the Premier League.

United lost keeper Edwin van der Sar through injury at half-time and had to survive a spirited Birmingham display.

Van der Sar saved well from Cameron Jerome and Rio Ferdinand cleared off the line from Gary McSheffrey.

Ronaldo grabbed the winner when he took advantage of Franck Queudrue's error to round Maik Taylor and score.

It was Ronaldo's 100th Premier League start, and the display summed up United's season so far - failing to scale the heights but grinding out the victory.

United restored all their big names after a shadow side lost to Coventry in the Carling Cup at Old Trafford - but it was Birmingham who posed the bigger threat in the first 45 minutes.

Jerome forced a fine diving save out of Van der Sar when he was presented with possession by Paul Scholes - then did well to stop Queudrue's header from the resulting corner.

Taylor then held on to a Wayne Rooney lob, but it was United who survived another scare after 17 minutes.

Sebastian Larsson's cross found McSheffrey at the far post, but his effort was smuggled off the line by Ferdinand.

Jerome then failed to take advantage of a poor clearance by Van der Sar as United looked uncertain at the back.

Van der Sar needed lengthy treatment to his left foot midway through the half, and despite carrying on until the interval, he was replaced by Tomasz Kuszczak.

United needed a break, and Queudrue's horrendous loss of concentration handed it to them five minutes after the re-start.

He allowed a ball to bounce in the area, seemingly unaware of Ronaldo's menacing presence, allowing the Portuguese star to steal in, take possession and evade Taylor to score.

Birmingham responded in spirited fashion, with Kuszczak producing a fine diving save to turn away a shot from McSheffrey that had deflected dangerously off Ferdinand.

United were still short of attacking threat, and Sir Alex Ferguson took action after 63 minutes, sending on Louis Saha for the subdued Ryan Giggs.

They almost doubled their lead immediately, but Stephen Kelly cleared Wayne Rooney's effort to safety.

Rooney then set up Ronaldo with 11 minutes left, but he pulled his shot inches wide.

Birmingham: Maik Taylor, Kelly, Djourou (Schmitz 76), Ridgewell, Queudrue, Larsson, Nafti (O'Connor 84), Muamba (Palacios 70), McSheffrey, Kapo, Jerome.

Subs Not Used: Kingson, Danns.

Booked: Queudrue, Nafti, Larsson.

Man Utd: Van der Sar (Kuszczak 46), Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs (Saha 64), Rooney, Tevez (O'Shea 89).

Subs Not Used: Anderson, Pique.

Booked: Evra.

Goals: Ronaldo 51.

Att: 26,526

Ref: Steve Bennett (Kent).

Edwin to miss Roma Clash

Edwin van der Sar will miss AS Roma's Champions League visit on Tuesday after injuring his toe at St. Andrews in the Reds' 1-0 win.

The Dutch goalkeeper fell awkwardly after what appeared to be a routine gather mid-way through the first half and United manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed he would now be sent for a scan. He played on after receiving treatment – Rio Ferdinand assumed goal kick responsibilities – but failed to reappear for the second half.

His replacement, Tomasz Kuszczak, kept the Reds in the game with a superb reaction save moments after Cristiano Ronaldo had sent United into the lead.

In his post-match interview on MUTV, Sir Alex confirmed Kuszczak will now be handed his Champions League debut against the Giallorossi on Tuesday.

"I think Edwin's damaged his toe - to what extent I don't know but we'll send him for a scan," the boss said. "He'll be out for Tuesday, that's for certain. It's a worry when you lose a man of his experience but Tomasz Kuszczak is very able and I'm pleased we've got someone as good as that."

Ronaldo gives United the lead with his first league goal of the season in the 51st minute