Manchester United shrugged off a lethargic start to come from behind to defeat Wolfsburg 2-1 at Old Trafford and are now unbeaten in 22 Champions League home games. United began slowly but gradually imposed themselves on the game after being given a few early scares by Wolfsburg.
The turning point was the early withdrawal of Michael Owen with a groin injury and his replacement Dimitar Berbatov.
The Bulgarian gave United more options and fluidity in attack with his flicks and movement.
For the first twenty minutes though the Reds were sloppy at the back and wasteful in midfield.
Nemanja Vidic gave away possession deep inside his own area but Christian Gentner's weak shot was easily smothered by Tomasz Kuszczak.
Wolfsburg created a couple of more half chances as the home side looked uncertain at the back.
But all this disappeared with the introduction Berbatov as suddenly United began to cause their German visitor's problems.
Berbatov created chances for Michael Carrick and Antonio Valencia and the Bulgarian himself missed an opportunity just before the break.
Anderson had a shot well saved just after half time as Sir Alex Ferguson's men looked to continue how they ended the half.
But Wolfsburg had always posed a threat and it was no surprise in the 56th minute when Makoto Hasebe chipped to the far post and Edin Dzeko header did the rest.
Bu the German's joy was short lived as within three minutes the home side were level, albeit with a touch of fortune.
Ryan Giggs' free kick took a deflection for his 150th Manchester United goal.
Moments later Wayne Rooney curled an exquisite shot narrowly over, but still they pressed and got their rewards with 13 minutes remaining.
A well worked move involving Giggs, Berbatov and Rooney allowed Carrick to fire home.
United had one final scare as Joshue shot wide in the closing moments but this result means the Champions of England sit at the top of Group B.
"Their goal was a surprise," claimed Reds chief Sir Alex Ferguson to ITV1, "But that's football."
"But it was just a matter of time before we did score even if we got fortuitous with the goal and the deflection, but overall I thought we deserved it, it was a very good performance.
"Whatever the score they always keep playing and that gets its reward."