Ferguson was delighted to see Rooney hitting the net in his fourth game back. “He is still trying to get his rhythm and real match fitness,” Ferguson said. “Goals always do players good, particularly when goals are expected of them.”

Rooney was playing off Louis Saha, who was making his eagerly anticipated return after missing most of the year with a knee injury.

However, the France striker did little to establish himself as United’s immediate goal-scoring solution and was replaced by Carlos Tevez just before Rooney’s decisive intervention.

Nani looked lively down the left flank whipping in balls and came close to scoring, but Ferguson said the 20-year-old Portuguese winger is far from the finished product. “He has still got a long way to go,” Ferguson said. “He needs to have the confidence to release the ability.”

Ferguson left Old Trafford gratified that United continued its 100 percent start to Group F, adding to last month’s victory at Sporting Lisbon - 1-0, of course.

“Ten points will get us through and we’ve got six. Winning the first two matches gives us confidence and a controlling position,” Ferguson said.

The next two matches are against Dynamo Kiev, which has lost its opening games — and conceded four goals. United, second in the Premier League, continues its title defense at Wigan on Saturday.