Audi Cup 2009: United and Bayern recorded victory

ANTONIO VALENCIA took his first tentative steps into the massive void left by Cristiano Ronaldo – and got straight on the scoresheet.

It was hardly a classic as the Ecuador winger’s shot squirmed under the body of Boca Juniors keeper Roberto Abbondanzieri.

But the £17million signing from Wigan is off the mark and that in itself will lift some weight from his shoulders.

Valencia’s goal last night came in the 42nd minute as he came in from the right flank to collect a short ball from Wayne Rooney.

With a sudden burst of pace he set off on a diagonal run and released a shot back the other way which the keeper got his hands to but could not stop from squeezing under his body and in.

The whole United side went to congratulate their new team-mate.

But the celebrations for Valencia’s goal were nothing compared to those that greeted United’s opening goal.

Anderson had played 75 games for United and never scored apart from in a penalty shootout.

But that all changed last night after Valencia won a free-kick 20 yards out.

Anderson stepped up and despatched a scorching drive that found the far top corner sending him into a jig of delight.

Boca Juniors pulled one back in the second half through Federico Insua.

Bayern Munich defeated AC Milan 4-1 to set up a meeting with Manchester United in the final of the Audi Cup.

Nineteen-year-old striker Thomas Muller grabbed a brace as the German giants taught the Italians a lesson.

Bastian Schweinsteiger and Saer Sene were also on target for Bayern with a free-kick from Andrea Pirlo Milan’s only consolation.

Bayern will now meet United in the final, with Milan contending third place with Boca Juniors.

The match was Bayern’s first appearance at the Allianz Arena since Louis van Gaal took over.