Manchester United 1-0 Galatasaray

Manchester United managed to see off Galatasaray in their Champions League opener thanks to an early Michael Carrick strike.

The visitors could have been awarded a penalty in the opening 90 seconds as Umut Bulut was brought down in the United area by Nemanja Vidic, but referee Wolfgang Stark waved play on. United were ahead six minutes later after great work from Carrick and Kagawa, who exchanged passes before Carrick was released on goal. Despite an attempt from Galatasaray keeper Fernando Muslera to bring the midfielder down, Carrick kept his composure and managed to find the back of the net as he slipped to the ground. The Turkish outfit didn't let their heads drop however, with Hamit Altintop in particular causing United problems. Altintop saw an effort clip the post towards the end of the half, but United managed to cling onto their lead at the break. The hosts were awarded a penalty when Rafael was brought down by Burak Yilmaz, Nani stepped up to take the spot kick but his effort was easily read by Muslera and pushed to safety. Both sides continued to create chances but neither could find the net and Galatasaray will feel they should have been awarded a late spot kick after substitute Aydyn Yilmaz went down under a Jonny Evans challenge, only for Stark to ignore their protests. There was also a return to action for Darren Fletcher for the first time since November 2011, the Scot replaced Paul Scholes in the closing stages for United.