Cristiano Ronaldo scored a second-half header on his return to Sporting Lisbon to ensure Manchester United’s Champions League campaign started with a victory.

Ronaldo won warm applause from the home fans for his subdued response to converting Wes Brown’s cross after 61 minutes of a low-key encounter.

Wayne Rooney made a quiet comeback after recovering from a broken foot.

And United were grateful to keeper Edwin van der Sar, who made superb saves from Liedson and Tonel.