2004–05 Manchester United F.C. season saves, but Wayne Rooney put the tie beyond doubt late on with a cool finish. Exeter had chances of their own, Sean Devine twice volleying wide and Andy Taylor forcing Tim Howard to save. Manchester United marched into the Fifth Round of the FA Cup with a 3–0 win against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford on 29 January. John O'Shea put the defending champions in front after 10 minutes from close range. Wayne Rooney then brilliantly lobbed Mark Schwarzer from fully 40 yards after 67 minutes to double United's lead, before firing home a stunning volley with nine minutes left. Boro's
2005–06 Manchester United F.C. season leave United lying third in Group D. Manchester United's next game was against Villarreal at Old Trafford. United drew 0–0, just as they did in Spain, which left their hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League knockout stage still on balance. United needed to beat Benfica in Lisbon to ensure qualification, although a draw would have sufficed if Villarreal beat Lille in their final game in Spain (which they did). Wayne Rooney was the shining star of a subdued United display. He was denied by goalkeeper Mariano Barbosa in the second minute then shot narrowly over the top late