Anderson equalizer puts United on top

MANCHESTER, England (AP)

Anderson ended a 15-month goal drought for Manchester United on Tuesday to earn a 1-1 draw against Valencia and secure top spot in Group C of the Champions League.

The Brazil midfielder rifled home the equalizer in the 62nd minute after goalkeeper Vicente Guaita had parried Park Ji-sung's strike.

The goal - only Anderson's second for United in 109 appearances - kept the three-time European champions unbeaten in the competition.

"He should score more," United manager Alex Ferguson said. "The boy has terrific talent. He has great pace and power. He is a strong boy. We are pleased he got a goal. It may help him."

The 22-year-old former FC Porto player's first goal since finding the net against Tottenham in September 2009 ensures that United cannot face Barcelona or Real Madrid in the last 16.

But United conceded its first goal of this season's group stage when Pablo Hernandez shot between the legs of 20-year-old goalkeeper Ben Amos, who was starting his third senior match.

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Man Utd 4-1 Schalke | Recap

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Michael Carrick was at fault for the goal, the England midfielder being dispossessed 35 meters (yards) from his own goal. Alejandro Dominguez nipped in, took the ball and ran straight at Nemanja Vidic before rolling a pass to Hernandez.

"Michael knows better," Ferguson said. "It's just one of these unfortunate things. I thought he had a terrific game apart from that."

Wayne Rooney's failure to score from open play for United since March continued, but Ferguson was encouraged by his progress since a lengthy layoff with an ankle injury

"His distribution, his leading of the line and his work rate were outstanding tonight," Ferguson said. "He's getting there, and he's getting there quickly."

Rooney said he feels fit.

"Just in and around the box, I've got to get my sharpness back. But overall I'm happy with my fitness and with my performance today," Rooney said.

United has concerns about Rio Ferdinand's fitness after the center back limped off five minutes into the second half with hamstring problems.

But Ferguson is optimistic that Ferdinand will be fit for Monday's Premier League match against Arsenal.