Rooney takes United into CL knock-out stage

Resham Ahmed November 25, 2010 0

Rooney takes United into CL knock-out stage

GLASGOW: Wayne Rooney, in his first start for Manchester United since September, scored the only goal of the match against Rangers in Group C to take Red Devils into the knockout stages of the Champions League 2010 on late Wednesday.

Manchester United's English forward Wayne Rooney celebrates with a supporters after scoring goal against Rangers. Courtesy: GETTY IMAGES

After a dismal FIFA World Cup 2010 and lacklustre first half of the English Premier League season, Rooney played his first full match for Manchester United and made it memorable with 87th minute goal on a penalty kick.

Yes, it was a goal on the penalty kick but even striking the kick, Rooney made no mistake to make sure his team gets promoted into the next round of the biggest club tournament in the Europe.

Wayne Rooney of Manchester United challenges David Weir of Glasgow Rangers during the UEFA Champions League Group C match. Courtesy: GETTY IMAGES

In the first leg, both teams had played a goalless draw at Old Trafford but Manchester United found themselves in a better place owing to the only goal of the match by their premier striker.

Sir Alex Ferguson, no doubt, was a happy man while watching his main striker scoring goal for his team.

“He’s never been short of courage and it was a fantastic penalty, a very good penalty”, said an elated Sir Ferguson.

“He needs games and the way we’re going to do it is by keeping him on the pitch for 90 minutes and that will continue now as we try to get him to his level. He’s rusty, he’s needing games, that’s obvious but it’s a start for him”, he told local media after the victory.

Manchester United's English forward Wayne Rooney scores a penalty during their UEFA Champions League Group C football match. Courtesy: GETTY IMAGES

Although Rooney scored from a penalty kick, his efforts were worth praise. His some of the passes couldn’t get the right person to finish the job while one of his heads reflected off the bar post just ahead of the half time.