Patrick Rees
Full Time: CSKA Moscow 1-4 Manchester United
Building on their fine run of form, Manchester United crushed a CSKA Moscow in their second group stage game of the Champions League. The visitors didn’t have to wait too long for the deadlock to be broken as in as early as the 4th minute, Romelu Lukaku’s towering header found the back of the net.
Some 15 minutes after the first goal, Henrikh Mkhitaryan earned his side a penalty and Anthony Martial kept his cool to make it two for the team before Romelu Lukaku capitalised on CSKA’s defensive blunder to make it three. Just 12 minutes after the restart, United added another through Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Anthony Martial tried his luck only to be denied by Akinfeev, but the Russian stopper’s fate was sealed as the rebound fell into the Armenian’s way and it was 4-0 in no time.
As the game approached it’s end, the home team finally got their consolation through Konstantin Kuchaev and that remained the highlight of the game.
Having said that, this is how Manchester United players fared on the night:
De Gea: 8/10
Did what he does best. Was kept busy regularly by CSKA’s threatening counter-attacks, but never gave them an edge to get past him. Sadly conceded a goal late in the game, but another superb showing from the Spaniard.
Young: 7.5/10
Was given the captain’s armband and justified the tag with full effect. Young was always going to be a nuisance – be it at the defensive end of the field, or at the offensive end – and he duly delivered what was expected. Linked up well with the players, made constant runs and stressed CSKA’s defence in regular intervals.
Bailly: 7.5/10
Strong as always. CSKA never really created anything from open play, but were a troublesome unit while launching a counter. Bailly, however, dealt with it well.
Smalling: 6.5/10
An average outing! Nothing much to talk about.
Lindelof: 7/10
Made yet another Champions League appearance and was solid as anything. Ball playing centre-back they said, well said!
Blind: 7.5/10
Perfect outing for the Dutchman! Linked up perfectly with the likes of Mkhitaryan and Anthony Martial and almost got an assist to his name, only to be denied by Akinfeev.
Matic: 8/10
We might fall short of adjectives while outlining his performance. Was at the heart of everything Manchester United did. Broke CSKA’s attack with ease, while at the same time, played his fair share in the offensive half as well. What a signing Jose!
Herrera: 7.5/10
Everything Herrera is doing is turning out to be a perfect highlight. Showcased his usual self and made a couple of jaw-dropping interceptions.
Mkhitaryan: 7.5/10
Marked his 50th Manchester United appearance with a composed finish. Tried everything to get a goal or even an assist in the first half, but his fate already had other plans. Akinfeev’s brilliant save to deny Anthony Martial in the second half fell in his way and bang!
Martial: 8.5/10
This guy is a gem and this is something very least that we could say! Played some inviting balls into the box and got 2 assists and a goal to his mercy. Was always a threat to CSKA; simply too hot to handle. Yet, the conundrum remains – Martial or Rashford?
Lukaku: 8/10
9 games, 10 goals! The Belgian capitalised perfectly on CSKA’s defensive blunders and bagged yet another brace by the stroke of half-time. He almost got his hat-trick, but Akinfeev once again kept his composure in denying the muscular Belgian.
