Benfica 1 Manchester United 1: Veteran Giggs lets goal do his talking to deny Benfica victory

Ryan Giggs confirmed there is room for an older hand amongst Manchester United’s young bucks as he grabbed a draw for the Red Devils with a brilliant solo effort at the Stadium of Light.

It was slightly harsh luck on Benfica, who were the better team in this Champions League opener and were deservedly in front through Oscar Cardozo.

But in his 22 seasons as a professional, Giggs has learned many times that you do not always get what you deserve in this game.

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And while Sir Alex Ferguson could not have been that impressed with his side’s performance, with seven players making their first starts this season – but not record signing Dimitar Berbatov, who remained on the bench – he will be happy enough with a point from what, on paper at least, appears to be his side’s hardest game in the group phase.

Amid all the plaudits United have received for their flying start to the season, Giggs has been virtually ignored.

The turbulence in his private life contributed to this normally affable character declaring a self-imposed ban on speaking to the media during United’s pre-season tour of North America.

He was then ignored when the real action started due to the magnificence of the youngsters eager to claim their own place in Red Devils history.

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That he was so obviously off the pace during United’s Champions League defeat to Barcelona in May hardly helped and it appeared a quiet final season before he called time on a career unmatched in terms of trophies was ahead of him. Giggs, evidently, has other ideas.

He may be 37 but his mind is as quick as the day he made his debut, over two decades ago.

With his side trailing and struggling, Giggs picked up possession on the right flank three minutes before the break and shot into the space Benfica had afforded him.

The Welshman quickly transferred the ball on to his favoured left foot, and from 20 yards rasped an unstoppable shot past Artur.

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It earned him yet another milestone, as the player to have scored in more Champions League seasons – 16 – than anyone else, this his 27th goal in a competition many think is harder to win than the World Cup.

United celebrated and breathed a huge sigh of relief. They had started in composed manner but all the assurance withered away as the half proceeded and Benfica gained in confidence.

Old stager Pablo Aimar pulled the strings, Nicolas Gaitan and Cardozo attempted to take advantage.

Both went close, and both were denied by last-ditch tackles.

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Eventually the breakthrough came though as Cardozo controlled Gaitan’s cross on his chest, before whipping round Jonny Evans and drilling a fine shot past Anders Lindegaard.

Benfica were always dangerous and Lindegaard produced the best save of the match to deny substitute Nolito before Emerson fired wide.

Nani, Javier Hernandez and Phil Jones were introduced late on, but United need Lindegaard to foil Gaitan to ensure a point.