Rooney on the score sheet in a United win
Manchester United won their champions league tie against Rangers 1-0 away from home. Wayne Rooney scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot. The English striker was treated with hostility by the home fans throughout the game.
First action of the match came from United’s Dimitar Berbatov. He went down inside the box just 2 minutes into the game but his plea for a penalty was rejected by the referee. The replay showed it was a clear penalty. Berbatov was in the mix of things again
when Fabio’s cross from the left hand side managed to pick out the Bulgarian. His header however failed to trouble the Rangers keeper. Minutes later Paul Scholes had a shot blocked from outside the box. Manchester continued to press forward and enjoyed possession
of the ball in their opponents half. The home side had its first half chance through Kenny Miller, who failed to head the ball on target from close range. The game was played at a first pace but both teams lacked creativity and each side was losing possession
continuously.
Rooney failed to connect a high volley inside the box and had another shot blocked just before the half hour mark. Ryan Giggs’s cross from the right side on the 35th minute caused confusion amongst the Ranger’s defense line but United failed to
capitalize. Nani’s shot was fired after a good build up by the reds. United came close to grabbing their first goal of the match but Rooney’s header struck the bar from a Fabio cross. Miller’s selfish play 4 minutes from time denied the home side an opening
goal. Miller had three team-mates waiting inside the area but he went for a shot which was saved by Van der Sar.
The second half started with a Rooney free kick which sailed wide. Berbatov had another chance 7 minutes after the restart but he skied his left-footed volley. Moments later Michael Carrick was played through, after a good interplay between Berbatov and
Rooney, but his shot was saved by the keeper Allan McGregor. A defensive error from Jonathan Evans put Steven Naismith one on one with the United keeper, who reacted well to deny Rangers. Seconds later another berbatov shot was saved to concede a corner. Rangers
had a good spell midway through the second have but failed to create any real chances. Paul Scholes was substituted with Anderson with just over 20 minutes to play.
United kept coming back at the Scottish side, Berbatov’s left footed shot was saved which was followed by a diving header from Rooney which went wide. Berbatov turned creator for the English striker minutes later but Rooney failed to convert. Ferguson made
a double change on the 77th minute putting on Hernandez and Gabriel Oberton for Berbatov and Nani. The game looked set for a 0-0 draw but 5 minutes from time, United was awarded a penalty for a foul on Fabio by Naismith. The home side argued with
the referee to no avail. The replay clearly showed that Naismith caught Fabio on the chest in an attempt to clear the ball.
Rooney calmly slotted the ball home from the spot kick. United’s 1-0 win away from home means they are yet to concede a goal in Europe this year. The first clash between these 2 sides in this year’s competition finished 0-0 at Old Trafford. United’s win
almost guarantees them the top spot in group C and they will face Valencia in their final group C match in the Champions League.
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