Michael Owen grabbed a hat-trick as Manchester United overcame the absence of 14 players to record a 3-1 win over German champions Wolfsburg.
The victory, which came despite Edin Dzeko's 56th minute header, was a record 15th away game unbeaten in the Champions League and only United's third in 10 attempts on German soil.
More importantly, it confirms a seeding in the knockout round draw a week on Friday which in itself does not guarantee easier opposition but at least ensured Old Trafford will host a second leg rather than a first.
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