Besiktas 0 United 1

15 September 2009 21:54
MANCHESTER United secured an opening Champions League victory against Besiktas thanks to Paul Scholes' second-half header in Istanbul. The game looked to be heading towards a stalemate but when Besiktas goalkeeper Hakan Arikan could only parry Nani's shot away, Scholes was on hand to head home after 77 minutes. There were precious few other chances in a tight game, with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson electing to start with just Wayne Rooney up front. The goal came after Rooney and Michael Carrick were taken off for Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen. Nemanja Vidic was booked late on for kicking the ball away. Quiet man and publicity shunning Scholes just cannot keep himself out of the headlines. On Saturday he was in the spotlight for his controversial red card at Tottenham and the villain but here the silent assassin silenced the official noisiest crowd in the world. The 34-year-old hadn't scored a Champions League goal since his memorable strike against Barcelona in the 2008 semi final that put the Reds through to Moscow.[LNB] As well as the noise the Reds also had to contend with one idiot in the stands who dangerously attempted to dazzle United's players with a laser pen. It added to the intimidating conditions they had to contend with. The noise was unrelenting and even the Reds attempts to bring some composure to the frenzy with spells of keep ball were met with ear piercing whistles. Champions League debut But it was United who were the more threatening in front of goal with a Carrick stinger from 30 yards out forcing a save from keeper Arikan who the kept out a clever glancing and looping back header from Champions League debutant Antonio Valencia. There was a scare for United when Besiktas had their first attempt on goal in the 26th minute as Ozkan's shot deflected off Jonn Evans and almost dropped over Ben Foster. The keeper was grateful to see the effort land on top of his net and not in it. Despite the lesson dealt by Barca in Rome on how to remain in possession United still cannot rid themselves of their penchant for playing too many eye-catching Hollywood balls that surrendered the advantage. But overall it was a relatively comfortable opening half. With Besiktas displaying reasons why they hadn't been able to score a goal in the last 270 minutes of Turkish league it wasn't long into the second half before Fergie decided he could throw away the cautious plan of one man up front and look for a winner. He brought on Berbatov and Owen but having spent such a frustrating night on his own in attack Rooney was clearly unhappy that he wasn't going to get the chance to enjoy some of the evening with some much needed assistance as he was replaced to bring the two subs on. The England striker had a face like thunder as he passed the United boss and received a pat on his back for his selfless efforts. It certainly didn't seem to appease the 23-year-old as he chucked his boots off in a fury. But even if Rooney wasn't happy to be the victim of the master plan it worked as United took the game to the Turks and 14 minutes after the double substitution the Reds were justifiably ahead though it was neither the Englishman nor the Bulgarian hitmen who made the breakthrough and saw the Reds home in the start to a tricky Group B. What is your verdict on the action? Have your say. [LNB]

Source: Manchester_EveningNews