Pure class

By Chris,
October 1 2009

Manchester United produced a trademark comeback on Wednesday evening as they continued their European campaign with a crucial victory. Goals from Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick sent the firm majority of the 74,037 Old Trafford crowd home happy as United edged out Wolfsburg 2-1.

On the balance of play, United deserved their victory. However, Sir Alex's men were made to work very hard by a German side that weren't afraid to push forward and created a number of decent chances.

United got off to a slow start and Tomasz Kuszczak, enjoying a surprise start between the sticks, had to be on his toes as the Bundesliga champions powered forward looking to break the deadlock.

With twenty minutes gone, Michael Owen hobbled off the field with an injury and Dimitar Berbatov entered the fray. This was to prove an important change for United - with the Bulgarian's vision and skilful build-up play helping the Red Devils carve open their opponents.

A handful of decent first-half chances went begging. Berbatov set up Antonio Valencia with a delicious back-heel, only for the winger to miss a one-on-one, whilst Michael Carrick hit a glorious opportunity straight at Diego Benaglio.

The goals all came after the break and it was Wolfsburg that took a surprise lead on 56 minutes. An ambitious charge forward paid dividends and Hasebe's cross found Dzeko's head and the back of the net. Cue wild celebrations from the travelling Germany, and some worried looks around Old Trafford.

United, however, fought back almost immediately. Parity was restored just three minutes later after Ryan Giggs' delightful free-kick took a wicked deflection, before Carrick made amends for his earlier finish with a superb, curling strike after a Giggs lay-off on 78 minutes.

There were some nervy moments at the death as Wolfsburg sought a late equaliser - but, though the Germans battled hard, United deserved the win and already look in a superb position in terms of qualification for the competition's knock-out stages.

Full Time - Manchester United 2-1 Wolfsburg
Attendance - 74,037