Hernandez 85

A sublime finish from Mexican striker Javier Hernandez gave Manchester United a narrow win in Spain and put them in control of Champions League Group C.

Both sides took a cautious approach, but just as Valencia were getting on top, Hernandez and fellow substitute Federico Macheda combined to break Spanish hearts.

Nani broke down the right and squared the ball to Macheda, who played it into Hernandez’s path with his first touch of the game.

Hernandez’s control took him into just enough space to fire a stunning low left-foot shot into the corner of the net.

It was the highest quality football on a night where chances were at a premium.

Valencia centre-forward Roberto Soldado headed over an empty net on 16 minutes after United keeper Edwin Van der Sar flapped at Alejandro Dominguez’s left-wing cross.

Meanwhile, Dimitar Berbatov had United’s two clearest opportunities in the first hour. He was inches wide with a right-foot shot from 20 yards in the fourth minute.

And on 56 minutes, his fine control, run and shot brought a good block from Valencia keeper Cesar Sanchez.

Hernandez struck a Valencia post on 84 minutes, from Nani’s cross. But within 60 seconds he made amends.