BY MATT DICKINSON ( The Times )

IN A dilapidated stadium that would shame a British non-league club, and against a team in similar disrepair, Manchester United cruised through to join the fat cats of the European Cup Champions' League last night.

A performance of solid professionalism, but little flair, was enough to secure Alex Ferguson's side a smooth passage into this evening's draw for the European Cup, and they will know that considerably sterner examinations await.

With United not seeded, they are likely to have to face at least two powerful sides in their group of four as they once more embark on the obsessional hunt for the trophy that they lifted in 1968. The Old Trafford manager is, however, as bullish as ever about his club's chances against Europe's best. Having spent almost £30 million since the last attempt ended once again in frustration and failure, one would expect him to be.

"On paper it makes it look more difficult that we are not seeded but we proved last year we can win our group," he said. "Manchester United not being a seed will make it more difficult for the other teams. It will require good concentration and discipline like we showed tonight, but I think we have got a chance.

"As last year's winners, Real Madrid must be favourites. Then you have Juventus, Bayern Munich and the quality of teams like Ajax and Barcelona. It is going to be a good competition so obviously we are delighted to be involved."

Ferguson added: "We could have scored a couple of goals in the second half tonight but the most important thing was to put in a performance of discipline and composure and that is what we did. It was a good game of possession football. I took Ryan Giggs off because his hamstring was a little tight and Paul Scholes took a bit of a blow but they should be all right."

The most immediate task is for Ferguson now to resolve his attacking dilemmas. Content to play a game of containment and ball retention after the ease of the first leg victory against Lodz, Ferguson unexpectedly rested Andy Cole in favour of the out-of-touch Teddy Sheringham.

With Scholes continuing to look a little jaded after his World Cup exertions alongside him, it meant United lacked a sharp edge up front, and they must hope that Dwight Yorke, ineligible last night, can provide the missing thrust against the continent's most miserly defences.

Hopes of a calm and composed passage through to the Champions' League were greatly aided by the atmosphere inside the run-down LKS stadium.

With more than half the ground closed for safety reasons because of the crumbling concrete terracing and many Polish fans unable or unwilling to pay the £10 that the Lodz club was charging for tickets, David Beckham, for once, was not entering a bear-pit.

Despite a banner proclaiming the LKS fans as "Crazy Cannibals", the only significant worry for the travelling United supporters was that the ramshackle stands would collapse under them. It is a safe bet that Lodz will not be invited to join the European super league.

Their team had looked in a state of disarray in the first leg at Old Trafford, and despite the inevitable early burst of enthusiasm last night they never really threatened to embarrass their English guests.

In contrast to the first leg, they did at least try to attack. With a 2-0 deficit, they had little choice. A shot from Niznik after 20 seconds which flew narrowly wide and a Wyciszkiewicz strike which cannoned into Jaap Stam were all they had to show for their efforts, however, and United began to assume control of the tie.

One goal would have extinguished what little belief the Polish side had in progressing, but it was never likely to be forthcoming from this United attack until Ole Gunnar Solskjaer injected some vigour late on.

Until then Scholes and Sheringham had lumbered about their work with the air of men who know they are well short of their optimum form.

One mistimed header by Sheringham from a searching corner delivered by Ryan Giggs was evidence that the England forward is groping in vain for confidence, and one wonders whether he will have the chance of starting another European game this season. Or an international for that matter, with Glenn Hoddle due to announce his squad for the European championship qualifier in Sweden today.

Ferguson had talked on the eve of the game about how his young side had gained invaluable experience over years of European frustration, and they maintained their composure throughout a subdued second half.

It was easy to forget that there was a place in the Champions' League - and the small matter of at least £4 million - at stake as the game took on the air of a practice match. Ferguson could even afford to withdraw his most threatening player with 25 minutes to go as Giggs gave way for Solskjaer.

The young Norwegian, who has sensibly rejected a move to Tottenham Hotspur in order to fight for his place, immediately livened things up, his appearance enabling Scholes to withdraw into midfield where he looked far more comfortable. Minds, though, had long since drifted to the prospect of Barcelona and Real Madrid. It will soon be time for the real battles to begin in earnest.

LKS Lodz (3-4-1-2): B Wyparlo - R Pawlak, W Bendkowski, G Krysiak - A Jakubowski (sub: A Bugaj, 85min), T Kos, Z Wyciszkiewicz, T Lenart (sub: J Pluciennik, 82) - R Niznik - T Wieszczycki, D Zuberek (sub: P Matys, 61).

Manchester United (4-4-2): P Schmeichel - D Irwin, R Johnsen, J Stam, P Neville - D Beckham, N Butt, R Keane, R Giggs (sub: O G Solskjaer, 65) - E Sheringham, P Scholes.

Referee: C Graziano (Italy).