Manchester United vs. Galatasaray: Score, Highlights and Grades

It only took one goal from midfielder Michael Carrick in the early going to give Manchester United an opening 1-0 win over Galatasaray in Champions League play on Wednesday at Old Trafford.

Things started off well for United when Carrick juked Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera to the ground and promptly skipped the ball into the back of the net for the lead in the seventh minute.

United ended up with 20 shots (six on goal), with most of them coming in the second half. Galatasaray had 14 shots (three on goal) and saw several efforts hit the post. United controlled the ball for 53 percent of the match.

United controlled the ball for 57 percent of the first half.

On the other hand, while United got off five shots in the first 45 (including two on goal), Galatasaray threatened close to goal throughout the first half, getting off nine shots (five from inside the box).  

Still, United was able to hold the Turkish side to just one shot on goal (from outside the box) in the first half  (Nordin Amrabat, 43') due to the defense's ability to get in front of most of the shots and block them. The English side was also lucky to see two shots hit the post in the first 45.

Galatasaray really amped up the action after the 30-minute mark.

United exploded onto the pitch in the second half. The side got off seven shots inside the box by the 63rd minute, including a header on target from Nani.

The English side was far too careless with the ball on defense on numerous occasions, though, and allowed Galatasaray to threaten up until the closing minutes.

Highlights

Michael Carrick got things started off for United, finding the back of the net off an assist from Shinji Kagawa after juking goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

Grades for Manchester United Players

Michael Carrick: A

You have to give it to Carrick. Despite not being known for his goal-scoring, he had a beauty of a goal off the turf in the seventh minute after nearly getting tripped by goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

Shinji Kagawa: A

Kagawa was particularly impressive for United in the match, maintaining a strong pace, finding his teammates and assisting Carrick's opening goal. He also threatened to score in the 33rd minute, and it took a brilliant tackle from Dany Nounkeu to deny him. 

David De Gea: B+

Galatasaray had three shots on goal, and David De Gea saved all of them. He did his job, although only one shot on target came from inside the box.

Grades for Galatasaray Players

Nordin Amrabat: B

Amrabat got off two goals in the match, but had one shot on goal in the 43rd minute. The midfielder was constantly in the action and saw his first shot clip the top of the crossbar in the 10th minute.

Fernando Muslera: B+

Muslera notched five saves in the match and did a good job except for the play where Carrick beat him. He was constantly badgered by United in the second half and saw enough action to give a goalkeeper an ulcer.