United defender Pique makes his point as Red Devils draw in Rome

But as they flew home in the early hours of this morning, Sir Alex Ferguson and his players were at least comforted by the knowledge that for the second season running they have proved themselves to be the superior football force.

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That Roma continue to attract such a violent minority of supporters is something that UEFA may soon need to examine again.

The Italian club's participation in the Champions League just cannot be allowed to carry on against a background of continuing disorder — five United fans were reported to have been stabbed outside the ground.

United, however, can anticipate happier evenings in the competition this season after their April dismantling of Roma in last season's quarter-final was followed by a creditable showing from a second-string team last night.

Ferguson's reserve players have not always emerged with much credit from dead-rubber evenings such as this.

But a first- half goal from 21-year-old defender Gerard Pique was enough to ensure that an equaliser from Roma's Brazilian midfielder Mancini did not deprive United of their unbeaten European record this season.

They will face Schalke, Olympiakos, Celtic, Lyon or Fenerbahce in the last 16.

Ferguson declared himself more than happy with the night's work, saying: 'We are satisfied with the performance and it showed that the young players are improving all the time. I have no fears about their ability at this level.

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'We are disappointed to hear about the supporters as this is something we hoped would not happen. We wanted a nice quiet night without any incident. We just hope our supporters are OK.'

For some United players this game had the makings of a big night and a chance to make a case for inclusion against Liverpool on Sunday.

It was young Pique who made the biggest impression, heading United into the lead in the 34th minute.

Pique has been considering his future at Old Trafford after assistant manager Carlos Queiroz took him to task recently about his attitude.

But the way he attacked and met Nani's corner to score 11 minutes before halftime appeared to suggest he had something of a point to prove. It was hard to say that United did not deserve it either.

Although Mancini struck the crossbar from close range shortly after the opening goal and then brought a save from Tomasz Kuszczak from distance, United had been the more progressive team.

John O'Shea brought a save from Doni early on while Wayne Rooney, United's captain for the night, drilled a long shot narrowly over.

It was not until the second half that Luciano Spalletti's team really came to life and when they did it was largely due to the introduction of substitutes Daniele de Rossi and Mirko Vucinic after 62 minutes.

With two first-team regulars in the thick of it, Roma were able to increase their tempo and they equalised with a cracking goal in the 71st minute.

There seemed little danger when Mancini received the ball on the left edge of the United area but the manner in which he stepped inside Wes Brown and struck a rising drive into the top corner was exquisite.

Vucinic then almost followed suit with a shot of his own that struck a post.

Roma finished strongly but could not beat Kuszczak again. The Pole has not always looked the most promising understudy for Edwin Van der Sar but this was perhaps his best display in his two years at the club.