Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson praised striker Wayne Rooney for his “courage” in taking the penalty in their 1-0 win over Rangers.
The result secured United’s place in the knockout stages of the Champions League with one game remaining.
“It took a lot of courage to take the penalty kick,” the United boss said.
“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.
“Every time he scores a goal he wants to celebrate with the fans and players.”
The only goal of the game came in the final five minutes when a high challenge by Rangers midfielder Steve Naismith on Fabio da Silva was perceived as illegal by Swiss referee Massimo Busacca, who pointed to the spot.
Rooney sent the keeper the wrong way, placing his spot-kick to the bottom right of Allan McGregor’s goal.
“There were not many nerves really,” said the England striker, who scored only his second goal of the season.
“I knew what I was doing and where I was going. I can only do that. If the keeper guesses the right way and saves it, so be it. Thankfully it went in.
“Obviously it is a bit of a relief for me to score. Hopefully I can build on this now.”
Rooney celebrated his strike by running towards the United section of Ibrox.
“I wanted to celebrate with our fans,” he stated. “It is always nice to beat Rangers away.
“Hopefully I can go on a goalscoring run now but really I am just delighted to be back playing again.
“I felt good. I felt fit throughout the game. I want to build on this performance and this goal.”
