Champions League Group C: Man United 1 Valencia 1

Manchester United will avoid heavyweights Barcelona and Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League after they drew 1-1 with Valencia.

There was a scare for United on Tuesday as they conceded a first-half strike to Pablo Hernandez at Old Trafford, ruining their chances of becoming the first team ever to get through the group stage without letting in a goal.

But midfielder Anderson came to the rescue with a rare goal after 62 minutes, pouncing to sweep home the rebound after a Wayne Rooney effort had been superbly saved by Valencia goalkeeper Vicente Guaita.

The result ensured United finished top of Group C, with Valencia the other team to progress.

Dimitar Berbatov, who scored five times against Blackburn in his last home game for United, missed a host of chances to wrap up victory.

But a draw was enough to keep the club’s Champions League campaign on track.

As promised, United fielded a strong team for the fixture even though despite being already guaranteed a place in the knockout stages before kick-off.

But manager Sir Alex Ferguson did spring one surprise, handing a Champions League debut to 20-year-old third-choice keeper Ben Amos.

The youngster can be pleased with his performance after making smart saves from Albelda, Juan Mata and Aduriz in the second half – although he may well feel he could have done better with Valencia’s opener, which beat him at the near post after 32 minutes.

Valencia were tidy in possession and dangerous on the break, and United were never quite at their best.

But Ferguson’s men were far more lively after the break and should have ended up with more goals.

Berbatov sent one header from six yards straight at Guaita and was denied on three further occasions by the inspired Spaniard – including in two one-on-ones.

Nani also wasted two excellent opportunities and Rooney, looking almost back to his best, hit the bar at 1-0 in the first half with a superb 25-yard effort.

But in the end United got the point they needed to finish top of their group and keep their dream of Champions League glory alive.