United begin with a bang, Milan struggle

United begin with a bang, Milan struggle
AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE

PARIS, NOVEMBER 22: Manchester United got their Champions League second phase campaign off to a winning start at Old Trafford on Tuesday with a slow-burning 3-1 win over Greek outfit Panathinaikos in Group A.

After a poor first half in-form veteran Teddy Sheringham shot United ahead two minutes after the break and although Giorgios Karagounis equalised, two goals in the closing minutes from England midfielder Paul Scholes ensured the 1999 champions picked up the three points.

United coach Sir Alex Ferguson hailed United’s win as the best performance he had witnessed at Old Trafford in three years.

There were mixed fortunes for United’s main rivals as AC Milan dropped two home points against Turkey’s Galatasaray at the San Siro in Group B.

The Turks raced two goals clear through Brazilian Mario Jardel and Sas Hasan.Jardel put the Turks ahead with a fine volley on 39 minutes and Hasan made it two four minutes before the interval with a looping.

But the Italians stormed back after the break and Jose Mari opened their account from a tight angle before a Vedat Inceefe handball in the area allowed Ukrainian sharpshooter Andriy Shevchenko to level from the penalty spot.

Spanish champions Deportivo la Coruna, the only side to come through the opening phase unbeaten, scored an impressive 3-1 win over Paris Saint Germain at the Parc des Princes despite going a goal behind.