"We have shown many times in the past and I think we will be proud of them. The big teams respect each other and we are going to play football."

United will head to Liverpool without Wayne Rooney, who is still not fit despite reports he had resumed training after recovering from his badly gashed thigh.

Darren Fletcher will be available though after making his comeback after 10 months out with a chronic bowel condition.

"The supporters recognise what a tough time he has had for the last year," said manager Sir Alex Ferguson. They gave him a marvellous reception.

"He has been out of the game for a year, it took him one or two minutes to get going but he can only be better after that."

Fletcher's presence was required to settle a few nerves as an unconvincing United laboured to victory. Michael Carrick's seventh-minute goal proved enough.

But Galatasaray were denied two good penalty claims, twice hit the woodwork and also forced an excellent double save out of David de Gea.

And with Nani becoming the third United player to miss a penalty this season, the final whistle was greeted with relief rather than jubilation.

"I took a bad penalty," admitted Nani. "I would take one again. If the manager agrees I would do it – and score."

The manager will not agree though. Indeed, Ferguson had no idea why Nani was taking the kick in the first place.

"I think he just ran and grabbed the ball," said the United boss. "I thought Robin (van Persie) should have taken it, to be honest with you.

"I think we will have to decide before the game. That was my fault, I should have done that."