Source: Daily_Mail
Besiktas 0 United 1: Scholes lights up Reds in the Turkish laser show
Another European night and another display that did not excite Sir Alex Ferguson. But, unlike last season's final against Barcelona, Manchester United managed to obtain the result they needed.
At 0-0 with 13 minutes to go, some very obvious headlines were already being written. With Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice in Real Madrid's 5-2 rout of FC Zurich and United looking toothless against modest opposition, the damage caused by the Portugal winger's departure looked obvious.
But when United need a little something to get them through difficult situations, it more often than not comes from their more experienced players. And so it was here in a match where they were hampered by an idiot trying to shine a laser beam into players' eyes.
Ronaldo's compatriot, Nani, had another ineffectual evening until he picked up possession on the left. He sent in a rasping shot which forced keeper Hakan Arikan to parry and Paul Scholes was there to head a vital winning goal into an empty net.
Scholes was only really playing because of the red card he received in the win at Tottenham on Saturday. With suspension looming, there was no need to rest the 34-year-old's legs for this weekend's Manchester derby in which he can play no part.
This was an important goal for United and also a confidence boost for a player who did not, in all honesty, finish last season particularly well. Ferguson said: 'It was a good goal, a good finish, and I was pleased. To come here, win and not concede is satisfying. It gets the group off to a good start for us. It's what we wanted.'
This is not a particularly difficult group for last season's beaten finalists and they will hope to take maximum points from their three games at Old Trafford.
Nevertheless, the travelling and the hostile environments in which United will face away from home will present their own challenges and this is how it was in Turkey. Beaten 3-0 by their neighbours and arch enemies Galatasaray at the weekend and with their coach under some pressure, Besiktas were not the most taxing of opponents.
But after a bright start United struggled for long periods in front of a noisy, hostile crowd and they were also hampered somewhat by their formation.
United have played boldly in the Premier League so far this season. Wayne Rooney has always had a partner. Usually Dimitar Berbatov and once, at Burnley, Michael Owen.
But Ferguson left the latter two strikers on the bench and played 4-3-2-1. If it was designed to stop Besiktas scoring, then the plan worked, but it did little for United's fluency. With Michael Carrick having an attack of the jitters that has characterised his season and midfield comrade Anderson not doing much better, United conceded too much ground, especially in the second half.
And when they did manage to funnel the ball up to the hard-running Rooney it was difficult for United to hold on to it. When Rooney was substituted midway through the second half he threw his boots off in frustration. It was easy to see why.
With the Turkish crowd enjoying themselves and players getting the laser treatment, it was an uncomfortable night. There were chances in the first half, though. Carrick saw one long-range drive parried by the goalkeeper and flicked another effort wide, while Antonio Valencia saw a back header from a corner saved spectacularly by Arikan and another effort, this time from Nemanja Vidic, flashed by.
Had one of these efforts gone in then United would have strolled through the game. They were superior in most departments and the closest Besiktas came early on was when midfielder Serdar Ozkan saw two shots deflect off Jonny Evans and spin over the bar.
In the second half, though, Besiktas found a little confidence and a some impetus. Ben Foster was not required to make too many saves but there was an ominous look about the game for a while.
Match facts
Ferguson's decision to send on two strikers was - he said later - pre-planned and it was certainly bold.
In the moments after Scholes scored, Owen went clear only to shoot wide and, as the game became a little stretched, so United could have extended their lead.
At the final whistle, goalkeeper Arikan - playing instead of the injured Rustu Recber - lay on his back in the penalty area. The image seemed a little over dramatic but perhaps suggested that the home team thought their big chance had come and gone.
Besiktas had been enthusiastic and energetic but it usually takes more than that to beat Manchester United.
A win away from home is never to be sniffed at in the Champions League and United, on the face of it, are off to a perfect start.
Scholes will have his feet up at the weekend. He deserves his rest.
