Manchester United 1 Palmeiras 0

Manchester United became the first English side to win this competition with a Roy Keane goal.

The European champions scored a narrow win over 1998 Libertadores winners Palmeiras to take the Toyota Cup back to England for the first time since its 1960 inception.

Manchester United took the lead ten minutes before half time after a wonderful piece of work from Ryan Giggs.

The Welsh winger took the ball down the left flank and beat full back Arce. With the space earned Giggs flung the ball high into the penalty area and over the grasp of goalkeeper Marcos. Roy Keane had run in on the far side of the defence and volleyed the ball low into the net.

Captain Keane is set to sign a new contract with the European champions and he found a great way to celebrate securing his future with United.

The best previous chance for United had come early. In the second minute David Beckham came close with a swinging free kick that went just over the bar.

United had started the game well but Palmeiras carried threats with Asprilla's touch and speed and the excellent form of midfielder Alex.

The young star forced a good save from goalkeeper Mark Bosnich with a shot on the turn and had a powerful header cleared off the line late in the first half by French defender Silvestre.

Substitute Dwight Yorke set up Giggs for the best chance of the second half when Arce lost the ball to the Trinidadian. Yorke passed the ball through to Giggs and he approached the goal as Marcos came out to dive.

Giggs lifted the ball over the goalkeeper but sent his chip wide of the post.

Yorke looked good for United after he came on as a second half substitute and had two shots on target with Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes both making raids into the Palmeiras penalty area.

Alex remained the best player for the Brazilians and his form deserved better but United dominated the second half until Palmeiras stepped up their game.

United needed Mark Bosnich to make two outstanding saves to stay in the lead. The Australian slapped away a point blank shot from Ocijas and then followed this up five minutes later with a tip over the bar from a shot by Alex at the edge of the area.