Carrick goal gives Sir Alex his 100th Champions win...

Michael Carrick scored the only goal of the game after just seven minutes, with Nani missing the chance to make it two after seeing his second-half penalty saved by Fernando Muslera.

But for Ferguson, who claimed his 100th Cham-pions League victory at the helm of Manchester United, the scoreline was not as important as the final result.

He said: "I think we expected a tough game. Galatasaray have a lot of experience.

"In the first half we kept giving the ball away but in the second half all the chances fell to us and we could have had four or five.

"You just have to be patient and make sure that when you get posses-sion you make it count.

"To get three points in the first game is a bonus. With Cluj beating Braga away, it sets up a really interesting next match.

"There was a lack of concentration at times and it's unusual for us to be as frivolous with the ball. In the second half we were more solid."

Carrick shared the sentiments of his manager as United look to avoid a repeat of last season's early exit from the group stages.

Carrick said: "It's just great to get off to a win-ning start. Off the back of last year, not qualify-ing, it was vital we did.

"We defended well in the second half and we're delighted to get the three points and move on."

One cause for concern at Old Trafford remains the Red Devils' lack of success from the penalty spot, with Robin van Persie, Javier Hernandez and now Nani all seeing their attempts saved in recent games. Carrick is concerned Ferguson will soon lose patience if the trend continues.

"He's probably going to have something to say, but hopefully the next time we get one we'll put it away," Carrick added.

The 31-year-old could have earned a penalty himself after being tripped as he went round Muslera, but opted to slide the ball into an empty net.

He added: "We've missed three penalties now so perhaps taking the chance was the right thing to do."