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Rooney praised after star turn in midfield

Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to Wayne Rooney after the 26-year-old thrived in an unfamiliar midfield role as Manchester United FC beat FC Oţelul Galaţi to join SL Benfica atop Group C.

Rooney praised after star turn in midfield
Rooney praised after star turn in midfield ©UEFA.com

Sir Alex Ferguson, United manager 
Winning was important. The opposition were very aggressive. They defended well, pressed us everywhere and made things difficult for us. 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.

[Wayne] Rooney was fantastic in central midfield. His awareness of people around him and choice of passing was really good. He did very well for us but I think it's a short-term thing at the moment. It's difficult to say.

Dorinel Munteanu, Oţelul coach
Obviously, the better team won and we would be a little bit crazy to compare the two teams. I am totally unsatisfied because we lost and because we could have achieved something more in Bucharest, as well as in Manchester.

Contrary to what plenty of people thought and wished, we did not make fools of ourselves. We had several very good moments, we were not afraid and had some opportunities; but we lost so I cannot be happy.

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