Rooney penalty brace sees United through

Manchester United took three points in an unconvincing display against Otelul Galati, courtesy of two Wayne Rooney penalties.

United came into the match with Vidic returning from a two month lay-off to start in place of Rio Ferdinand. Little did they know that they were in for a rough night, with the referee being the centre of attention.

Vidic looked a little rusty in the opening exchanges of the match, giving the ball away carelessly. Otelul were pushing and their first chance came in the 27th minute, with Filip making a brilliant run past Nani and Anderson. However the attack came to nothing as his shot went narrowly over the bar.

United got their first solid chance just three minutes later, when Wayne Rooney curled a direct free kick around the wall that was saved by the keeper.

United were awarded a penalty in the 64th minute, when Sergiu Costin handled a Rooney cross inside the box. Rooney dispatched the penalty with aplomb to give United a deserved lead.

However, Vidic was sent off just two minutes later, receiving a direct red for a high tackle on Gabriel Giurgiu.

Phil Jones and Jonny Evans were soon brought on to steady the United defence and they did so with ease. United were having most of the possession despite being a man down.

Otelul too were reduced to 10 men in the 89th minute, when Perendija received his second yellow for a foul on Hernandez.

Rooney made sure of the result after winning and scoring a 92nd minute penalty to give Alex Ferguson's men a much needed victory.

United will look to get their Champions League back on track with their first win, but are still behind Benfica by two points at the top of Group C.