Sport 14-09-2000 Cole Hat-Trick Smashes United Euro Record who: Manchester United what: Beat Anderlecht 5-1 where: Old Trafford, MANCHESTER when: Last night snippet: "Andy Cole completed a hat-trick last night," reports The Guardian`s David Lacey, "as Manchester United spread their wings in a soaring start to their latest mission in the Champions League." After last night`s 5-1 rout of Anderlecht in their first match of Group D at Old Trafford, Cole`s tally of European goals for the club is now a record 17, three more than United legend Denis Law. Cole scored on 15, 49 and 71 minutes while Sheringham and (from a penalty awarded for a tackle on Giggs), Irwin both claimed one each. "To their credit, Anderlecht continued to battle," says The Telegraph`s Matt Lawton, "and their hard work was rewarded in the 55th minute when Koller finally scored, rounding Barthez before seeing his shot, which was pushed against the post by the United goalkeeper, trickle across the line." "They play football from a different planet," said Anderlecht coach Aimé Anthuenis afterwards. "The only way we could have stopped them was if we had 13 on the pitch. They are probably the best team in Europe and maybe beyond." [... more]

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