The matches

Winners of the Toyota Cup in 1999 after a remarkable treble-winning season the year before, Manchester United returned to Japan to claim an intercontinental crown nine years later. In 2008 it was the European champions' attacking football that led them through to the final after a 5-3 romp over AFC champions Gamba Osaka. Goals from Nemanja Vidic, the 2008 FIFA World Player Cristiano Ronaldo, Darren Fletcher and a brace from substitute Wayne Rooney put United 5-1 ahead, before Osaka responded with two late consolation strikes.

The final took place just three days later in Yokohama's International Stadium, where the Red Devils faced Copa Libertadores winners Liga de Quito. Sir Alex Ferguson's men had a much tougher game on their hands, especially with their goalkeeper Jose Cevallos in fine form. The veteran stopper twice denied Rooney with full-length saves and was on hand moments later to produce a world-class save from a Carlos Tevez header from point blank range. The English side continued to dominate before the break with several long range efforts from Michael Carrick and Ronaldo going close.

However, the dynamics of the game changed completely when Vidic was sent off just four minutes after the restart following an elbow on Claudio Bieler. It was a moment of madness from the Serbian international and referee Ravshan Irmatov had to option but to show him a read card. From then on, it was United's goalkeeper, Edwin van der Sar who was now the busier of the two, producing three wonderful saves to keep the Ecuadorians and, in particular, Alejandro Manso at bay.

Somewhat against the run of play, the tournament favourites broke up field with Ronaldo showing quick feet to set up Rooney, who hit a curling shot low into the right hand corner of the net. With only 17 minutes left to play Liga de Quito could not find a reply as United's ten men held firm to secure their second FIFA Club World Cup trophy.

Star Player

Wayne Rooney. With three goals to his name in two games the Manchester United No10 reproduced the kind of form that saw him set the world alight at UEFA EURO 2004. The 23 year-old striker showed determination, finishing ability and strength in Japan, which was enough to win him the adidas Golden Ball award. Rooney has certainly matured under the tutelage of Sir Alex Ferguson, both on and off the pitch.

In fact the long serving manager must have been thankful that he picked the forward after suggesting he may rest his prize asset for fear of tiredness. However, Rooney was in no mood to sit on the sidelines. "I actually went to see the manager to ask if I could play tonight - I'm very grateful that he let me! I've really enjoyed it. It's been a good trip and it's all been worthwhile with the win." Will anyone bet against him firing England to similar success at South Africa 2010?

The coach

At the age of 67, Sir Alex Ferguson has been the manager of Manchester United for over 22 years and was recognised for his achievements in football with a knighthood in 1999 after winning the famous treble of the League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League. His playing career lasted 17 years as a striker, representing various clubs around his home country of Scotland. His most prolific spell came during the three years he spent at Dunfermline Athletic between 1964-67 when he notched an impressive 66 goals in 89 appearances. This was enough to persuade his boyhood club Rangers to sign him, but despite scoring 25 goals in just 41 games, Rangers shipped him out to Falkirik. His final club was Ayr United before he retired in 1974 at the age of 32.

After hanging up his boots he enjoyed 12 years as a manger with East Stirlingshire, St. Mirren, Aberdeen and Scotland before taking over the hotseat at Old Trafford. The early part of his United career was largely unsuccessful before he guided the club to over 30 different trophies, including ten league championships, two UEFA Champions Leagues, five FA Cups, two League Cups, seven Community Shields, one UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, one UEFA Super Cup and a TOYOTA Cup. Now he has the FIFA Club World Cup to add to his collection and it is something that he is clearly delighted about: "Winning this match even though we were a man down was a great team performance. It was a great tournament, and one I'll look back on fondly in the future," said the Scot.

FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2008

18 December 2008, Yokohama International Stadium
Semi-final: Gamba Osaka 3-5 Manchester United
67,618 spectators

Referee: Benito Archunida (MEX)
Goals: Yakazaki (74) Endo (85 pen) Hashimoto (90+1) Vidic (28) Ronaldo (45+1) Fletcher (78) Rooney (75,79)

Gamba Osaka: Fujigaya, Nakazawa, Yamaguchi, Endo, Lucas, Bando, Yasuda, Myojin, Kaji, Hashimoto, Yamazaki
Coach: Akira Nishino

Manchester United: Van der Sar, Neville, Evra, Vidic, Ferdinand, Anderson, Scholes, Giggs, Nani, Ronaldo, Tevez,
Coach: Sir Alex Ferguson

21 December 2008, Yokohama International Stadium
Final: Liga de Quito 0-1 Manchester United
68,682 spectators

Referee: Ravshan Irmatov (UZB)
Goals: Rooney (73)

Liga de Quito: Cevallos; N Araujo, Calle, Bolanos, Urrutia, Reasco, Calderon, W Araujo, Bieler, Manso, Campos.
Coach: Edgardo Bauza

Manchester United: Van der Sar, Evra, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Anderson, Carrick, Park, Ronaldo, Rooney, Tevez
Coach: Sir Alex Ferguson

Player of the tournament: Wayne Rooney