Manchester United struggled to extend their lead against Dinamo Bucharest tonight in the Champions League qualifier in the absence of Roy Keane.

The Old Trafford captain has been sidelined for three weeks as he recovers from two cracked ribs.

Holding a 2-1 advantage, United almost went ahead on the night when Alan Smith’s header was tipped away by the Dinamo goalkeeper.

With Keane absent – the Republic of Ireland midfielder is certain to miss the opening World Cup qualifiers – United looked a little disjointed.

Dinamo, however, were content just to sit back and try and hit Ferguson’s side on the break.

Eagles, though, was rising to the challenge and put in a good cross from the right after 29 minutes that evaded everyone.

Eric Djemba-Djemba tried to release Fletcher but the Scotland midfielder had strayed marginally offside.

The crowd were unusually quiet as United tried to build on their one-goal advantage from the first leg in Bucharest.

Smith almost put United ahead with a header from Kleberson’s cross but the Dinamo goalkeeper made a superb save to tip the ball over the bar.

This was a good spell of pressure by the home side going into the break but still that elusive goal would not come.

Half time: Man Utd 0 Dinamo Bucuresti 0