Manchester United opened their champions league account with a victory over Turkish side Galatasaray but it was an unconvincing win by United as they could have scored more and Nani’s messed kick from the penalty spot did not help them either. A seventh minute strike from Michael Carrick proved to be sufficient to take all the three points. Galatasaray had a number of chances to get back into the contest but failed to convert them. Ferguson believes that the Red Devils were slightly fortunate to have come away from the game with the victory.
“I think we expected a tough game, Galatasaray have got a lot of experience in their team and the first half we kept giving the ball away and they counter attacked very well from that. It was a lack of concentration at times. It’s unusual for us, it’s unusual for us to be as frivolous on the ball as that. In the second half we did much better in that respect.
I was happy with the second half, we were more solid, had better concentration and sorted out things really well. We missed the chances we did in the second half, we kept ourselves on the edge really. I think to get the three points in the first game is a bonus really. If you go back to last season we got a point at Benfica, so three points are really important.”
In spite getting just a one goal, Ferguson was pleased to have witnessed his side take maximum points following a dismal campaign in the competition last year.
Individual Player ratings:
De Gea 6.5/10 Didn’t have too much to do in the first half . Stopped a counter attack from Galatasaray with a brilliant double save. The only down side of the Spaniard’s game is his clearances.
Rafael 6.5/10 Has to improve his positioning, got caught out of position on more than one occasion but luckily for United, it didn’t lead to anything. Had a decent game overall
Vidic 7/10 A much improved game Nemanja Vidic. He was back to his bullish best and kept Galatasaray at bay for the most of it. Ahead of Liverpool on Sunday, it was a good performance and definitely something for him to build upon.
Evans 7/10 A solid return to the first team from Evans. Playing alongside Vidic, the defense looked solid ad-mist the whole team performance.
Evra 5.5/10 Lost his composure totally, probably because of the rise of Alexander Buttner. The player seemed to be easily caught out position as Galatasaray‘s attackers ease past him on the right side of the flank. Time for Evra to rethink about his United future.
Valencia 7/10 As usual, Valencia got himself into a fantastic crossing position on countless occasions but the final ball was lacking tonight. Although when he did whip in a great ball, there was nobody to get on the end of it. Not a bad game but far from his best. Saying that, his double nutmeg was my moment of the match.
Carrick 8.5/10 Not only the goal he scored was good, but overall had a very good game. His passing, positioning, tackles and interceptions were impressive.
Scholes 6/10 Uncharacteristic performance from Scholes. Quite a few misplaced passes typified that. Was substituted for Darren Fletcher who made his return. Hopefully he will be fit for Liverpool on Sunday.
Nani 7/10 Had a decent game other than the miss placed spot kick.
Kagawa 7/10 The Japanese midfielder had his moments in the game as he created United’s goal with an assist to Carrick and his link up play with Nani was impressive. Other than that he was guilty of some poor passing and wasn’t at his best.
Van Persie 6/10 Robin van Persie seemed rather isolated. He couldn’t really get a foothold on the game and was taken off for Hernandez towards the end of the second half.
Watch the highlights of the game here:
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