Half-time update: Rangers v Manchester United

Manchester United huffed and puffed during the first-half of the Champions League game against Rangers but were not able to force a lead.

Sir Alex Ferguson chose Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans to start in the middle of defence while Dimitar Berbatov joined Wayne Rooney in a two man attack. Ryan Giggs also made a surprise start on the left of midfield when it seemed likely he would start from the bench.

Rangers set their stall out defensively and United could have had a penalty in the second minute when Berbatov was bundled over just inside the area. Nani made an exciting run just three minutes later through the heart of the defence before he was tackled at the very last moment.

United passed the ball around nicely and should have gone ahead in the seventh minute when Berbatov had his first real chance of the game. Giggs played the ball down the left wing for Fabio to run onto. The full-back cut back inside and crossed but the Bulgarian sent his header straight at the goalkeeper.

Rangers took a little time to get going and Kenny Miller looked a little rusty leading the attack. He could have possibly slotted past Edwin van der Saar on 13 minutes but allowed Evans too much time to make a crucial tackle. Miller also glanced a header wide under pressure from Michael Carrick.

United controlled the game with a similar authority to the 0-0 draw at Old Trafford. Rooney drifted out to the left in the 23rd minute and whipped in a first time cross after a pass from Fabio. The ball looped into the box but there was no one to take a gamble for an easy opener. Rooney then shinned the ball over from close range after a great cross in from the right.

Rangers had a free kick in a dangerous position on the half an hour mark. The ball was crossed in but Jonny Evans did well to ease himself into Miller who was straining for the ball.

Nani had the best chance of the game shortly before the break after a lovely interchange of passes. Berbatov played the ball to Nani who turned at the defence quickly before playing a quick one-two with Giggs. However, the Portuguese lent back and blazed his shot high over the cross bar.

Rooney hit the bar with a fragile little header just minutes before the break and looks the best bet to score the first goal at a best price of 9/2. Miller is the most active Rangers player on the pitch and is priced at 10/1. A 1-0 United win looks solid at 13/4 while the draw is 2/1.