Rooney’s goal secures Manchester United victory in Champions League quarterfinals

PanARMENIAN.Net - A lone goal from England striker Wayne Rooney in the 24th minute proved to be enough for United, with Chelsea left to rue their inability to score at Stamford Bridge ahead of the return-leg clash at Old Trafford in Manchester. Chelsea began brightly with a few chances going the way of Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba, who were partnering each other in attack.

But out of nothing, United took the lead with a beautifully worked goal. Michael Carrick hit a long diagonal ball out to the left wing and veteran Ryan Giggs cushioned the cross brilliantly before pulling it back for Rooney to slot the ball into the far corner.

Right at the death Chelsea could be forgiven for claiming a penalty when Ramires was taken down by Evra inside the area. Spanish referee Alberto Mallenco waved play on although television replays suggested a penalty should have been given, according to Reuters.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was upbeat about his side's chances heading into the home leg.

"It's halfway, we've got an advantage and the biggest advantage we have is Old Trafford for the second leg," he said, adding that he had not seen the contentious penalty decision. "Maybe it was a penalty, maybe it wasn't, but it's swings and roundabouts," United defender Rio Ferdinand said. "I think these things cancel each out over the season but I haven't seen it.”

Both second-leg ties are to be played on April 12, with Shakhtar hosting Barcelona in Donetsk and Chelsea traveling to Manchester.