Manchester United secured top spot in Group B of the Champions League courtesy of a Michael Owen hat-trick in a 3-1 win at Wolfsburg. United may have rode their luck in Germany but in the end Sir Alex Ferguson's patched up team deserved to win and extend their unbeaten sequence of away games in the champions League to 15.
Owen took the chances that came his way whilst Wolfsburg wasted theirs.
The German champions had dominated the first period but failed to turn that into goals, and were denied a penalty after a clumsy Michael Carrick challenge.
And, on the stroke of half time were made to pay for their profligacy when United scored with their first attempt of the game.
Nani cut inside, crossed, and Owen found space to head past Diego Benaglio.
Wolfsburg hit back and Edin Dzeko headed a well-deserved equaliser after the break from Marcel Schafer's cross.
It was much the same in the second half as the hosts continued to pepper the United goal, but as in the first 45 minutes it was United who regained a shock lead.
Gabriel Obertan beat three defenders to set up Owen who found the empty net.
Then is the final minute, moments after Wolfsburg had missed another good chance, Owen raced half the length of the field to coolly chip the onrushing keeper.
Asked about the former Liverpool forward's contribution, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson told Sky Sports 2: "Fantastic. You know what he is. In the penalty box, he's on the shoulder, making runs across defenders... the timing of the runs is fantastic and I'm really pleased for him."
Ferguson was also satisfied with how the rest of his makeshift team performed.
"There's players with quality there. You've got to trust them. They're doing their jobs and proving it tonight again.
"They've applied themselves and that's important."
Ferguson admitted his side had been fortunate not to concede a first-half penalty, however.
"It looks as if it was a penalty," said the Scot. "Maybe we were a bit lucky there but sometimes you need a bit of luck in any game.
"Our control in the first half was very good but their threat towards the end with their speed on the counter-attack was very good."
