Manchester United grabbed three points, got Darren Fletcher back from a year-plus long illness and got a spectacular goal from Michael Carrick on Wednesday night. They failed to finish off other clear chances and probably let Galatasaray get too close to scoring for Alex Ferguson's liking, but they'll walk away from the match happy with a 1-0 win, even if the performance wasn't the greatest.
Manchester United Vs. Galatasaray, 2012 UEFA Champions League: Final Score 1-0 Thanks To ... Michael Carrick?
Carrick's unlikely goal came in excessively unlikely fashion in the 7th minute. Robin van Persie started the move with a pass to Carrick, who found Shinji Kagawa and surged forward. Kagawa played a perfect return pass to Carrick, who danced around Fernando Muslera with some stunning skill that made him look a bit like van Persie. After going around the Galatasaray keeper, he finished his first Champions League goal in three years.
United could have finished the game off in the 53rd minute when they were granted a penalty kick, but Nani missed from the spot. He took a long stutter-step on his run-up and didn’t fool Muslera, who saved easily. That miss made for some nervy moments in the second half, but United had little problem holding on for a win.
Fletcher’s return came 11 minutes from the end of the match, and he entered to a fantastic standing ovation. Even though Carrick’s goal was an excellent one, it was the clear highlight of the match.
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