Evergreen Giggs earns United point

Ryan Giggs' 27th Champions League goal helped Manchester United escape with a 1-1 draw from a difficult encounter with Benfica at the Stadium of Light.

The visitors were deservedly behind to Oscar Cardozo's effort when Giggs cut in from the right flank three minutes from the break.

United were living dangerously and midway through the half, they paid the price when Nicolas Gaitan drifted an excellent cross to the edge of the area, where Cardozo collected.

The South American turned quickly, leaving Jonny Evans for dead before firing beyond Anders Lindegaard and into the far corner.

It seemed more likely United would concede a second than equalise, but with three minutes of the half remaining, they did just that, Giggs cutting in from the right and embarking on a trademark solo burst before firing home from 20 yards.

United might have had a second when Antonio Valencia robbed Conceicao Emerson, then ran on to Rooney's return pass.The South American reached the by-line but his cross went fizzing through Artur's fingers and then to safety as Wayne Rooney and Giggs waited for their chance.

A brilliant dummy from Rooney allowed Giggs to get on the end of a Patrice Evra pass but Artur managed to get his hand to the shot, which bounced away for a corner.

Lindegaard made a fine one-handed save to deny Nolito at the other end as Benfica countered, Ferguson making a double change midway through the half as Nani and Javier Hernandez replaced Valencia and Fletcher.

Lindegaard again stuck out an arm to prevent Cardozo reaching Nolito's chip beyond the United defence, then denied Gaitain, who went for goal from long-range.

Gaitan brought another excellent save out of Lindegaard 14 minutes from time, after which Ferguson introduced Phil Jones for Fabio at right-back.