Champions League Group H wrap: United edge Galatasaray

Manchester United have opened their Champions League campaign with an unconvincing 1-0 home win over Galatasaray on Wednesday.

The Turkish champions had a penalty claim turned down inside the first minute and United soon made the most of their good fortune as Michael Carrick gave them the lead, but the visitors had their fair share of chances.

Nordin Amrabat and Hamit Altintop both struck the frame of the goal in the first half for Fatih Terim’s side, while Nani missed a penalty after the break, but the hosts were able to hold on for the three points.

Galatasaray were on the attack from the outset and should have been given a penalty inside the first 40 seconds when Nemanja Vidic brought down Burak Yilmaz.

It did not take long for United to capitalise on referee Wolfgang Stark’s error of judgement as they took the lead through Carrick.

The midfielder charged through the middle, and after Shinji Kagawa and Robin van Persie had combined, Carrick had possession again and tapped the ball in after rounding goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

The visitors were inches away from equalising minutes later as Amrabat unleashed a curling effort onto David de Gea’s crossbar.

With seven minutes left in the first half Galatasaray hit the woodwork again as Altintop hammered a low effort against de Gea’s left-hand post.

United had the perfect opportunity to score from the penalty spot in the 53rd minute after Rafael was brought down, but Nani had his tame effort saved by Fernando Muslera.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men had their chances to seal the win but eventually held on for three points at Old Trafford.

Sporting Braga kicked off their campaign with a shock 2-0 loss at home to Romanian champions CFR Cluj at the Estadio-AXA.

Ex-Braga player Rafael Bastos struck twice in the first half as his new side turned in a mightily impressive performance to down the Portuguese outfit.