Tuesday 18/10/2011
Champions League Group Stage
Manchester United grind out their first Champions League win of the season away at the Romanian champions.
After drawing their two opening Champions League fixtures against Benfica and Basel, United were looking to get their Group stage back on track against Otelul Galati. Wayne Rooney found himself back in the United starting line up, as nine changes were made from the team that drew 1-1 away at Liverpool. Nemanja Vidic was the other notable inclusion, as he made his first United start since the opening day, following a six week lay off with injury.
United started the game brightly, dominating possession, trying to find their rhythm. The home side were in awe of Manchester United, giving them far too much time on the ball. But it was Otelul side who created the first chance, when Vidic's a weak pass was intercepted by Bratislav Punosevac, however his shot was tame and comfortably saved by Anders Lindegaard. Michael Carrick had United's best chance of the first half when he latched on the end of a Nani cross, but his shot was not the best, and flew over the bar.
The opening 45 minutes had been poor, with neither side able find their cutting edge. in the second period United came out with renewed vigour and almost took the lead when Nani crossed in for Wayne Rooney, who turned well in the box and shot just wide. And it didn't take long for United to make the breakthrough, when just after the hour when Costin handled in the area, Rooney was on hand to tuck the penalty away.
Moments after taking the lead, United were stunned by a set back, when returning captain Vidic was dismissed for a high challenge. On replay this seemed to be a very harsh decision, while his foot was high, no contact was made with the opponent. The sending off galvanised the home side as they finally began to get a foothold in the game. They managed to create decent chances through Costin and Antal, who wasted a great opportunity, heading over the bar when he was unmarked in the United area.
As the game wore on United found themselves again and moments from time Nani saw a ferocious 30 yard shot hit the post. Minutes later United wrapped up all 3 points when Rooney dispatched another penalty, after Antal had brought him down in the area, with the England striker finishing even more calmly than the first. United had overcome the adversity of having Vidic sent off early in the second half, by dispatching the Champions League new comers Otelul Galati to claim all 3 points.
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