Zenit St Petersburg 2 Manchester United 1: Paul Scholes was sent off as Manchester United squandered a chance of lifting a trophy only two weeks into the season. The former England midfielder's rash action in the final moments of the match saw him dismissed by referee Claus Bo Larsen.

Scholes, who had been booked earlier, got a second yellow for a deliberate handball in the area with United looking to draw level.

Pavel Pogrebynak opened the scoring and Danny, who cost an astonishing €30 million, extended their lead before Nemanja Vidic pulled a goal back.

While there will be bigger prizes to win than the Uefa Super Cup and more competitive games, it is clear the champions League holders are thin on numbers in attack.

Cristiano Ronaldo helped lighten their load in spectacular fashion last season with 42 goals. But he is currently sidelined through injury and United, not surprisingly miss his cunning and eye for goal.

Dimitar Berbatov could be the missing link as Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez worked hard but could not break down the Russian side, who sealed a memorable victory.

Alex Ferguson was grimly philosophical after learning Scholes would miss the Champions League game against Villarreal after his dismissal.

Ferguson said: "It was maybe an instinctive thing he did, it was a bit unfortunate."

However, after learning the former England player would be ruled out of the home game against Villarreal, Ferguson grimaced and said through gritted teeth: "It happens."

The Red Devils boss was pleased enough with his side's display despite the defeat.

"We played best our football when we were 2-0 down," Ferguson said. "But they put a good effort in, it was a very warm night. I thought (Carlos) Tevez was outstanding, he was our best player."

Ferguson has tipped Zenit to be contenders in the Champions League despite being drawn in the same group as Real Madrid, Juventus and BATE.

"Yes, I'll think they do well, they are a good team, they have good movement, they are strong," he said.