Manchester United Fans Club

There was no repeat of last season remarkable scoreline, indeed it was another 1-0 win for Red Devils again. Wayne Rooney scored the only goal in the 70th minute and put Manchester United into pole position in the bid to reach Champions League knock-out phase.

Certainly Rooney will be looking back on the night’s events with satisfaction as he finally made an impact on behalf of a misfiring United strikeforce, finishing neatly from Nani’s lay-off and, with one flash of his right foot, silencing the growing question marks over his form.

One-nil win may be a refrain more associated with Arsenal or Chelsea than United but this was Red Devils sixth such success of the campaign so far. With maximum points from the opening two games in Group F, another four points from the double-header with Dynamo Kiev will take United through with two games to spare.

Roma, with their skipper Totti to the fore, as well as fleet footed Brazilian winger Mancini were actually the better side early on. Perhaps the most unsurprising aspect 20-minute into the night was there had barely been three shots as both sides exhibited a greater degree of caution, a contrast to the famous mark on that night, United were already three goals up.

Tomasz Kuszczak on his European debut made low saves to deny both Totti and Mancini. With Tevez and Giggs rested on the bench, big performance were expected of their replacements Saha and Nani. Saha was effective, stretching the Roma defence with his direct style but it was Nani who impress more. Nani produced three excellent crosses which should have brought United at least on goal.

In the end, Rooney goal proved enough to win and finally bring a smile to his face had not for Perrotta and Esposito not been wasteful at the end and numerous of good saves from stand in keeper Tomasz Kuszczak.