Michael Carrick's first Champions League goal in three years after just seven minutes proved enough, with United missing yet another penalty, their third of the season, through Nani. Galatasaray were desperately unlucky, failing to get a clear penalty before United struck, hitting the woodwork twice before being denied by David de Gea's excellent double save and then having another spot-kick claim waved away in stoppage time.
Darren Fletcher returned from his career-threatening bowel condition as Manchester United scrambled to an unconvincing 1-0 win over Galatasaray at Old Trafford. It was the Scot's first appearance since November 22, although he had been battling against the problem for eight months before that.
At one stage, Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he feared whether Fletcher would ever resume his career. Fletcher's arrival for Paul Scholes 11 minutes from time brought a deserved standing ovation, and was one of the few high points of a difficult evening for the hosts, who collected the victory but little else of note.
There then followed the third instalment of United's penalty embarrassment. After failures from Van Persie and Javier Hernandez already this season, Nani exuded confidence. Until it actually came to striking the ball that is. After a little shimmy, the Portugal winger seemed to freeze, and Musiera saved to his right.
Rather than being eased in as Ferguson doubtless hoped, Fletcher's battling qualities were a necessity for the latter stages as United managed to keep their opponents at bay.
It was never comfortable though, with substitute Javier Hernandez failing to capitalise on a couple of late opportunities.
My verdict on Man Utd: Evra has lost his pace at the back. He's still a very good defender but we need pace at the back. Maybe Buttner is the solution but he needs a lot of composure before he can replace Evra. Our wingers need to improve a lot. Like real quick. Their runs are good but they suck at delivering the final ball into the box. Valencia and Nani need to get their heads together and come up with the goods.
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