Here are 5 things we learned from Manchester United's Champions League semi-final first leg 2-0 win over Schalke.

By Marcus Chhan

1. Manchester United must sign Manuel Neuer

If ever there was a game to prove to Sir Alex Ferguson that Manuel Neuer is a ready made replacement for Edwin van der Sar then this was it. Manuel Neuer single handedly kept his team in the game and the 2-0 scoreline would've been a lot worse, seriously worse, for Schalke without him.

Bayern Munich are the odds on favourite to sign the Schalke goalkeeper but it was interesting to see Ferguson head straight for Neuer after the game - not sure what he said but maybe it was something like 'Great game... lets talk in the summer!'

You can read about Fergie's praise for Neuer's heroics here.

2. Wayne Rooney demons exorcised

The last time Wayne Rooney came to the Veltins Arena, it ended in tears as England were beaten by Portugal in the World Cup 2006 quarter finals - Rooney painted as the villain for his red card.

On Tuesday, his star shone the brightest from an excellent Manchester United display against Schalke. Teams are struggling to contain him when he drops deep and starts picking out team-mates with pinpoint passes.

3. Michael Owen not needed

With Dimitar Berbatov's injury you might have expected Michael Owen to at least make the bench for the game against Schalke. He is out of contract at the end of the season and his chances of being offered a new deal now look slim. It was telling that Sir Alex Ferguson felt he didn't need Owen - was he saving him for Sunday's game with Arsenal?

Manchester United fans will always remember Owen's last gasp goal against Manchester City, but the striker appears to be on borrowed time at Old Trafford.

4. Manchester United's tie with Schalke is over... right?

You can't see the German side scoring five away goals at Old Trafford like they did against Inter Milan at the San Siro. However, you can expect Schalke to put on a better show in the second leg.

Schalke were poor in midfield and in attack on Tuesday night and their manager Ralf Rangnick is sure to demand a better response from his men the next time the two teams meet. German sides have always shown great determination against the English. Pride will ensure a positive response.

5. Mean defence

Manchester United have not conceded an away goal in the Champions League this season. A startling achievement. Prior to Tuesday's 2-0 win at Schalke, United have kept a clean sheet at Chelsea, Marseille, Rangers, Bursaspor and Valencia.