Sir Alex Ferguson was relieved to pick up an 'important' three points after Man Utd saw off minnows Otelul Galati.
Manager pleased after United go top of group
Sir Alex Ferguson was relieved to pick up an 'important' three points after Manchester United saw off minnows Otelul Galati 2-0 at Old Trafford in the UEFA Champions League.
United went ahead in the eighth minute thanks to Antonio Valencia's tap-in from an impressive Phil Jones cross.
However, it took until three minutes from the end for United to get their second when Wayne Rooney, playing out of position in central midfield, fired a long-range shot which took a massive deflection off Cristian Sarghi.
United boss Ferguson told
Sky Sports HD2: "Winning was important. The opposition were very aggressive, they defended well, pressed us everywhere and made it difficult for us.
"The win makes it more comfortable for us at the top of the group and if we beat Benfica we win the group, it's as simple as that. It should be a very good night."
Rooney
Ferguson was pleased - but not surprised - by Rooney's performance.
"I thought he was fantastic in central midfield," he said.
"His awareness of people around him and choice of passing was really good. He did very well for us tonight.
"I think it's a short-term thing at the moment. It's difficult to say. The opposition played really well against us tonight but I'd be confident of playing him there (against bigger teams)."
United's night was also soured by Michael Owen's withdrawal through injury after less than 10 minutes.
"It's a blow for the lad," said Ferguson. "He's done a thigh muscle and it's a complete freak. I feel for him. It's difficult to say how long-term it is."
