Manchester United 1-0 Galatasaray: 8 Things We Learned

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In an at times breathtaking encounter at Old Trafford, Manchester United kicked off their 2012/13 Champions League campaign with a nervous win over a stubborn Galatasaray side.

After Michael Carrick had given the Red Devils a seventh-minute lead, United were left to sweat in the closing stages when Portuguese winger Nani had a second-half penalty saved after Rafael had been felled by a late challenge.

But United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will be pleased his side were able to get a vital three points at the first time of asking in the competition, especially considering the stuttering campaign of last season.

Here are eight things we learned from an enthralling clash.

Goalkeepers to Be Rotated

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With Anders Lindegaard having been handed the baton in Manchester United's last two Premier League games, it was David de Gea's turn to line up between the sticks Wednesday night.

The Spaniard acquitted himself well, making full-stretch saves to prevent Galatasaray from scoring on several occasions.

Before the game, Sir Alex revealed that his side no longer has a first-choice keeper, telling reporters that "alternating is not a problem for me" (via Daily Mail).

If this rotation trend is maintained, expect Anders Lindegaard to play the majority of Premier League games, with David de Gea featuring in cup encounters.



Patrice Evra Remains a Problem

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Considering fullback Patrice Evra's recent performances, the emergence of Alex Buttner couldn't have come at a better time for United.

Galatasaray found space down Evra's side of the pitch far too often in the game, with Emmanuel Eboue and Nordin Amrabat regularly afforded great space down United's left flank.

Going forward, the French defender did make some positive contributions, but he still remains United's biggest defensive liability.

Unless he dramatically steps up his game in the coming few weeks, it will be Buttner who is given the nod in the Red Devils' most important games.

A Game of Missed Calls?

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When referee Wolfgang Stark watches the replay of Wednesday night's game, he will surely reflect on several decisions that could have turned the tide of the match.

In truth, either side could have easily been given two or three spot-kicks each, as players went sprawling multiple times in both penalty areas.

The first, and perhaps worst call made by Stark was in not awarding Galatasaray a penalty only minutes in, when Umut Bulut was tripped late by United captain Nemanja Vidic.

The one penalty that was given, and rightly so, was for a foul on Rafael early in the second half. But both sides will still reflect on what could have been, long after the final whistle has blown.

Paul Scholes Still Runs the United Midfield

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Even at the ripe old age of 37, Paul Scholes remains one of Manchester United's most important players when he's on the pitch.

He and Michael Carrick did their best to get a grip on a congested midfield, but weren't prone to the odd mistake at times.

It was interesting that Sir Alex plucked for Scholes Wednesday night, only four days after his last start in the 4-0 league win over Wigan.

But the Red Devils always look better with the Ginger Wizard in the team, rather than out—his deep-lying role crucial to Sir Alex's side's hopes in every game.

A Vital 3 Points

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Last season's European odyssey quickly turned into a footballing version of The Poseidon Adventure, as United crashed out in disastrous circumstances at the hands of Basel and Benfica.

Sir Alex wasn't taking any chances this time around though, deploying what he no doubt considers his best XI Wednesday night.

And whilst the scoreline may not make for stunning reading, a win is a win—an invaluable early three points to take into the team's next encounter against Cluj.

It may not have been pretty at times, but I'm sure the United boss will take it.

Nani's Days at United Look Numbered

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Forget the fact that his penalty was saved, Nani still looked one of United's most erratic players on a mixed night for the Portuguese winger.

His performance against Galatasaray was typical of his recent displays—delighting and infuriating the Old Trafford faithful in equal measure.

Some of his passing was terrific; some of it was dreadful. He just seems to have lost his spark of old at the moment, and as a result, is wasting good opportunities to impress whilst left-winger Ashley Young is out injured.

Like Evra, unless he can improve, his days in the United first team may be numbered.

Another Game, Another Missed Penalty

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Manchester United have now had their last three penalties saved and must be wondering what they have to do to put their spot-kicks in the back of the net.

With van Persie and Javier Hernandez having already blown earlier penalties, it was Nani's turn against Galatasaray to have a poor shot saved from 12 yards out.

If this current trend continues, Wayne Rooney's return to the team will come as a great relief to those who seem to want to pass the baton.

Will United's real penalty taker please stand up?

Welcome Back, Darren

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Darren Fletcher's return to first team action Wednesday night was a sight to warm the hearts of all United fans.

His ongoing medical troubles have robbed United of an underappreciated asset in the central midfield, an absence that has been hugely noticeable since November of last year.

It may take the Scotsman weeks before he's back fighting fully fit, but just the sight of him emerging from the medical wilderness that has engulfed him these past few months was fantastic.

Welcome back, Darren.

 

What did you think of United's clash? Who was your Man of the Match?

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