Manchester United's attacking trio of Carlos Tevez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney put their side top of the table for the first time this season.

United suffered two more injuries in the first half when Nemanja Vidic and John O'Shea had to go off, two substitutions that disrupted the champions' impressive early rhythm.

Wayne Rooney's first goal of the season fired Manchester United to victory against Roma at Old Trafford. Rooney broke the deadlock with a sharp 15-yard finish after he was set up by Nani to leave United three points clear at the top of Group F.

Sir Alex Ferguson is sweating on the fitness of Owen Hargreaves, Nemanja Vidic and Wes Brown as the Old Trafford boss looks to make it two wins from two in Europe this season.

Manchester United defenders Wes Brown and Nemanja Vidic were missing from training today ahead of tomorrow night's Champions League clash with Roma.

The pair picked up knocks during Saturday's Premier League win at Birmingham and while there was no guidance from United as to whether their participation against the Italians was in doubt, it would be a major surprise if either missed out.

Cristiano Ronaldo struck five minutes after half-time to give Manchester United victory at Birmingham and move them second in the Premier League.

United lost keeper Edwin van der Sar through injury at half-time and had to survive a spirited Birmingham display.

Nemanja Vidic has quickly become a cult hero among United supporters not only for his classy yet no-nonsense style of defending, but also for the threat he poses in the opposition box.

Cristiano Ronaldo was heavily involved for Portugal as it looked as though they’d secured a 1-0 win over Serbia in a match that ended with a 30-man melee. However, Branislav Ivanovic netted in the 88th minute to cancel out Simao Sabrosa’s earlier effort.

Eight United players have been named among the top 100 footballers in the world in a list compiled by FourFourTwo magazine.

Cristiano Ronaldo, United's outstanding player in the title-winning 2007/08 campaign, was pipped to first place by AC Milan's Brazilian midfielder Kaka, who was the key figure in the Italian side's Champions League success last term.

Manchester United managed to break down a stubborn Sunderland to record a second successive 1-0 victory.

Roy Keane, on his return to Old Trafford, had his Sunderland side organised and solid but on 70 minutes the deadlock was finally broken by French striker Louis Saha.

United winger Nani whipped in a corner and the powerful striker got himself in front of Craig Gordon to head home.