Although United were outclassed at times by Benfica it has to be said that the 60th minute goal by Louis Saha was just about deserved on balance.

Unfortunately Scholes and Carrick picked up one yellow card apiece, both rather needlessly. Rooney didn`t look his usual self, but Heinze was solid at the back well supported by the other 3. Alan smith came on for the last few minutes after seven months out with a bad injury.

United now lead their table which is a nice position to be in after the opening two games.

Arsenal and Celtic, the other 2 British teams who played last night, also won their matches.