Manchester United Supporters Club Malaysia

Manchester United recorded their first win in the Champions League 2011/2012 campaign thanks to a double for Wayne Rooney although United skipper Nemanja Vidic will not be available for the remaining group matches after a red card for a high tackle.

Sir Alex Ferguson made nine different changes to the squad that faced Liverpool at Anfield a few days ago. Anders Lindegaard, Nemanja Vidic, Fabio, Michael Carrick, Anderson, Nani, Wayne Rooney & Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez all started for the Red Devils after a much needed rest after last weeks international match ups.

Manchester United enjoyed much of the possession throughout the entire match, but could not convert those possession into goals in the first half. The man between the sticks, Anders Lindegaard had very much little to do too during the whole again, apart from a few routine saves & some backpasses that had to be dealt with.

However, United tightened up the screw in the second half after a pass from Nani, which was received by Rooney, who cleverly tried to pick out Hernandez who was wide open, but was blocked by Sergiu Costin, albeit illegally by using his arm. The referee did not hesitate and awarded Manchester United a penalty and a booking for Sergiu Costin.

Rooney cooly slotted the penalty home towards the left side of the keeper, and you can certainly see the joy on his face after a troubled week. Once United took the lead, it would be hard to imagine Otelul Galati to try and salvage a point on their home turf. However, the game took another twist after Nemanja Vidic went into a tackle recklessly, although there was no real malice in the tackle. He was shown a straight red card on the 66th minute and was stunned by the official’s decision to send him off.

United managed to hold on to the lead, and on the 90th minuted, was awarded another penalty after Rooney was tripped in the box. There was no signs of nerves as the number 10 slotted into the same position as the first penalty and became the highest scoring English player in the elite European competition.

The Red Devils will now prepare for the big derby against local rivals Manchester City, who also recorded their first win of the european campaign.

Photo source: Manutd.com