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United's Hernandez strikes late

United's Hernandez strikes late

Mexican striker Javier Hernandez struck a late winner as Manchester United beat Valencia 1-0 in the Champions League.

The 22-year-old only entered the game as a 77th-minute substitute, but it took him just eight minutes to find the back of the net and give Manchester United their first win in the Champions League this season.

United opened their campaign in Group C with an uninspired 0-0 draw with Rangers a fortnight ago and again goals looked like they would be at a premium, with the Red Devils content to sit back at the Mestalla and counter attack against the La Liga leaders.

It was a United side weakened by injury which took to the field in Spain, with regulars Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs all missing.

But United fans would have been heartened by the return of England international Rio Ferdinand to the centre of defence as he renewed his partnership with Nemanja Vidic.

Valencia kept control of the ball in the opening exchanges, with their first real chance coming after United midfielder Michael Carrick gave up possession on the edge of the penalty area.

Luckily for the England international, Pablo Hernandez could only blaze his shot over the bar.

The best chance of the half fell to Valencia striker Roberto Soldado, who headed over the bar with the goal beckoning after United keeper Edwin van der Sar had flapped at a cross from the left.

Dimitar Berbatov was looking increasingly isolated at the front of the United attack in the second half, as Valencia continued to press forward.

Pablo was causing problems on the right wing and again went close when he flashed a shot past Van der Sar's post.

Berbatov could have put the visitors in front against the run of play after breaking free of the defence, but the Bulgarian was denied by the feet of Valencia goalkeeper Cesar Sanchez.

As time ticked away the visitors became bolder as Valencia's frustration grew and, after hitting the woodwork in the 84th minute, Hernandez went one better a minute later to give United the lead.

The Mexican combined with another substitute, Federico Macheda, before taking the ball just inside the area and driving his shot into the bottom left-hand corner.

Valencia pressed to find an equaliser in the last five minutes but to no avail, with Manchester United holding on for an important win against their main Group C rival.

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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