Manchester United midfielder Nick Powell won praise from manager Sir Alex Ferguson after victory over Shanghai Shenhua.

Ferguson was pleased with Powell's contribution, even if he did miss a good chance to open his Reds account.

"Nick Powell did well," said the boss. "It's his first game, he's only 18. But he got a really bad tackle - a sore one - in the first half. He played on but I thought it was better to take him off. He was feeling it a bit. He's two-footed, he has good balance and awareness about him. The boy looks like he can become a real top player."