Man United fell Rangers thanks to Rooney penalty

Rangers 0 Manchester United 1. A late penalty from Wayne Rooney booked Manchester United their place in the last 16 of the Champions League. It was Rooney's first goal for his club since August 28 and afterwards he admitted: "It's a relief to score but, hopefully, now I can build on it. I had to wait quite a while to take the penalty but there were not really any nerves. I knew what I was doing and where I was going with it."

It went low and to the right of Allan McGregor in the Rangers goal and with it went the Scottish champions' last hopes of qualifying for the knockout phase. They'll now move into the Europa League while United must beat Valencia at Old Trafford in a fortnight's time to finish top of Pool C. The Spanish side thrashed Turkish outfit Bursaspor 6-1and are now top of the pool and United boss Alex Ferguson is already licking his lips at the prospect of the tie. "We want to go and win the group," he said. "We've got Valencia at home, we can look forward to that."

If Valencia are to beat United they must end an unbeaten streak for the English side that now stands at 28 matches, though even as they showed at Ibrox they have yet to hit the heights this season. Rangers created several good chances during the match – despite the fact they were missing regulars Madjid Bougherra, Sasa Papac and Maurice Edu – and Kenny Miller could have had a brace if only he'd been more clinical.

The striker headed wide from the edge of the six-yard box on 15 minutes and then just before half-time fluffed a one-one-one with Edwin van der Sar, the United keeper saving well with his legs.

United were making openings of their own, however, even though Rooney (making his first start since early October) and striking partner Dimitar Berbatov looked far from sharp. Rooney came closest to scoring for the visitors when his smart header hit the crossbar in the first-half.

The second-half failed to catch light and though Steve Naismith and Berbatov had chances the game looked like petering out to a goalless draw until three minutes from time. As Fabio da Silva dived for a header in the Rangers' box he was caught high and late by Naismith, a clear penalty that was put away by Rooney. "It was a penalty, it was virtually an assault. I've no doubt we deserved to win," said Ferguson afterwards, and said of Rooney. "It took a lot of courage to take the penalty kick. It was not an easy night, he missed a couple of chances but that's what you expect with the rustiness in his game. We are pleased for him." ·