Manchester, Nov 3: Manchester United moved top of Group C in the Champions League on Wednesday after beating Otelul Gulati 2-0 through Antonio Valencia's early strike and an own goal from Wayne Rooney's deflected shot.
Valencia put United ahead after eight minutes, tapping in Phil Jones' cross from close range.
Having dropped back into midfield for the match, Rooney found the net from 30 meters in the 87th minute with a heavily deflected shot off Cristian Sarghi which wrongfooted goalkeeper Branko Grahovac.
Man United is level on eight points with Benfica, which was held to a 1-1 draw by Basel, but has a better goal difference and head-to-head record.
"The opposition were very aggressive, they defended well, pressed us everywhere and made it difficult for us," United manager Alex Ferguson said. "The win makes it more comfortable for us at the top of the group and if we beat Benfica we win the group, it's as simple as that. It should be a very good night."
But it was hardly a commanding performance in United's first appearance at Old Trafford since being beaten 6-1 by Manchester City in the Premier League last month.
It was Rooney's starting position in midfield that attracted most attention, and he released Dimitar Berbatov to help set up the opener.
The Bulgarian released Jones on his outside, with the defender eventually cutting a cross back that bounced past Michael Owen's near-post lunge and left Valencia with a tap-in.
But United's plans were changed by Owen -- who was making a rare start -- being forced off after 11 minutes injured.
"It's a blow for the lad," Ferguson said. "He's done a thigh muscle and it's a complete freak. I feel for him. It's difficult to say how long-term it is."
After that United appeared to lose its way. On a couple of occasions, Berbatov was left frustrated as Javier Hernandez, who replaced Owen, stormed into the box but nudged the ball slightly too far in front.
Otelul showed limited ambition, but when Nani's stray pass rolled to Ionut Neagu, the midfielder went for goal before Rio Ferdinand could close in and brought an excellent one-handed save out of goalkeeper David de Gea.
With Rooney sitting back directing play in front of the back four with a variation of passes, Hernandez and Berbatov attempted to gel.
Goals, though, were not forthcoming and it took Rooney to end the anxiety with his late deflected goal.
"I feel I'm a good enough footballer to play anywhere on the pitch," Rooney said. "I'm not being big-headed. I feel I am capable of doing that and if the manager wants me to play there, I've no problem doing that."
