Manchester United Fans Club

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the only goal for Manchester United’s Champions League away win against his former club Sporting Lisbon. After scoring, Ronaldo headed a fine winner and opted a soft celebrating with double-fisted salute before an almost apologetic bow to the home supporters, which offered the winger a standing ovation when he was replaced by Carlos Tevez four minute from time.

His efforts ensured Red Devils back home with three points in the bag to put aside United travelling woes in Champions League matches. Another old boy, Luis Nani would have put United cruising had he taken an instant decision either to shoot or lay-off to Ronaldo after fine work by Rooney.

Rooney first match after fractured a foot in the opening day draw with Reading couldn’t spark Red Devils into life, in fact the first 45 minute did not exactly measure up the hype of the game earlier.

The rear guard of Ferdinand and Vidic were extended to any great degree, just as Van der Sar found himselft being peppered by a series of long-range shots which could easily have gone in with one unfortunate deflection. Luckily Van der Sar was in the correct position each time Liedson, Marat Izmailov and Leandro Romagnoli all tried their luck at various times.

Even at 36 of age, veteran Van der Sar had enough spring to push Liedson’s well-struck effort wide. I wonder if United had signed him just as Schmeichel announced his retirement, would United still lost so many unfortunate goal? A drought of title in 4 years?

For all the obvious flaws in United’s performance, the goal summed up why patience and experience are so vital at this level, traits Ferguson has in abundance.

Van der Sar has them in equal measure too and he needed to produce another fine save to turn Tonel’s header away before the visitors could start to breathe easily. Ronaldo and substitute Louis Saha went close near the end but it didn’t matter as United eased home.