Manchester United's first win in this season's Champions League came at a cost as Nemanja Vidic was dismissed in the 2-0 defeat of SC Otelul Galati. Going into this game United had conceded just 13 fouls in the Champions League, fewer than any other side, so it was somewhat ironic that Vidic should be shown red by the German referee for what looked a hard but acceptable tackle in the 67th minute on Gabriel Giurgiu.
In the final minute Milan Perendija was then sent off for Otelul Galati for a second bookable offence after bringing down Javier Hernandez.
Fortunately for the visitor's they had only moments earlier taken the lead from the penalty spot as Sergiu Costin stuck out an arm for a definite infringement inside the box.
Wayne Rooney easily converted from 12 yards sending the keeper the wrong way.
Even with ten men the Reds looked comfortable, but then so did the Romanians who generally kept United at bay with relative ease. The game had reached the interval scoreless which was still a fair reflection of play.
But, after a low key first half Sir Alex Ferguson's men triumphed, and United have conceded just one goal in their last eight Champions League away games.
Referee: Felix Brych (GER)
Venue: National Stadium, Bucharest
Attendance: 49,500
Galati scorers: Man Utd scorers: Rooney (pens) 64, 90
Yellow cards: Giurgiu (GAL), (Costin (GAL), Neagu (GAL), Rapa (GAL), Perendija (GAL), Carrick (MANU) Red card: Vidic (MANU), Perendija (GAL)
TRIBAL ASKS: Are Man Utd determined to qualify for the knockout stages the hard way?
