United reap benefit of old head Scholes
BESIKTAS (0) vs MANCHESTER UTD (1)
MATCHWINNER Paul Scholes admitted his relief after Manchester United escaped from the intimidating surrounds of the Inonu Stadium with a barely-deserved victory.
A late header from Scholes ensured last year’s runners-up started this season’s Champions League campaign with maximum points. But an otherwise uninspired performance, allied with a cauldron-like atmosphere, meant the veteran midfielder was happy to leave Istanbul triumphant.
“Any away game in the Champions League is difficult especially in Turkey,” said Scholes. “I don’t think this was our best game, but a win is a win.” Although they failed to shine, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insisted his side’s professionalism in the face of a baying home crowd proved their nerve. “We were the better team,” said Ferguson. “The concentration had to be good because it was a fantastic atmosphere and a test of the concentration.”
A tantrum from United striker Wayne Rooney at being substituted proved to be one of the highlights of a drab game in which United struggled to penetrate a determined rearguard.
Midfielder Michael Carrick stung goalkeeper Hakan Arikan’s palms and then failed to convert with the goal begging after the break, while at the other end United held their breath when Serdar Ozkan’s shot ricocheted off Jonny Evans and narrowly over.
With the game heading for a stalemate United made the breakthrough in the 77th minute. Winger Nani found space to shoot and, when his effort was parried, Scholes pounced to nod in off the post. Substitute Michael Owen should have added to the scoreline but shot wide.