Full Time: CSKA Moscow – Manchester United
Manchester United made easy work of CSKA Moscow in their second group game of the 2017/18 UEFA Champions League, as they beat the Russian side by a 4-1 margin, thanks to goals from Martial, Lukaku and Mkhitaryan.
The Red Devils were off to a flyer as Martial put in a perfectly weighted cross for Romelu Lukaku to head in after just 4 minutes to make it 1-0. Mkhitaryan then won a penalty after being fouled by Georgi Schennikov in the box. Martial made no mistake to convert from the spot to make it 2-0 after 18 minutes.
Eight minutes after the second goal, Martial claimed another assist as he put in another beautiful cross from the left wing for Lukaku to beat the offside trap and volley the ball into the net to make it 3-0. The game was virtually over by then.
It was Anthony Martial’s day as he was involved in the team’s 4th goal as well. He was played in one-on-one with CSKA’s goalkeeper, who palmed the ball away to Mkhitaryan, who made no mistake to make it 4-0.
CSKA Moscow then scored a consolation goal in the 90th minute, with Konstantin Kuchaev producing a tidy finish from inside the area.
Manchester United are now on top of Group A with 6 points to their name, followed by Basel, who beat Benfica 5-0 to come up to 2nd in the table.
Here’s how Jose Mourinho’s men fared on the night:
Manchester United Player Ratings
David De Gea – 8
Made some really good saves but he could have done better to stop CSKA’s only goal. Would be fair to say he was crucial in United keeping the opposition at bay.
Victor Lindelof – 6.5
He stayed disciplined and it looks like Mourinho is taking it slowly with the youngster. It looks like he might end up repaying his manager’s faith come the end of the season
Chris Smalling – 7
Remained solid throughout and he was a welcome addition to the United backline. A good outing for the Englishman.
Eric Bailly – 7
Making his return after suspension, Bailly looked good and he was quite comfortable on the right-hand side of the 3-man backline.
Daley Blind – 7
Was slotted in as a wingback and supported Martial with some overlapping runs. Made a crucial block as well.
Nemanja Matic – 7
The Serb has been brilliant for United since joining them in the summer and the form continued here as United totally dominated the midfield.
Ander Herrera – 7
Kept things simple in the middle of the park. Herrera, along with Matic, gave the United attackers all the freedom to execute their flair.
Ashley Young – 7
Young maintained his quality and held his own. Never really did anything wrong and looked composed.
Anthony Martial – 9
Martial was simply brilliant and was involved in almost every creative move that United managed to construct. Grabbed a goal and 2 assists.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 8
Capped off his 50th appearance for the club with a goal. Won the penalty for Martial’s goal and was simply superb.
Romelu Lukaku – 8
Linked up superbly well with Martial and grabbed a brace. His goalscoring run is amazing and he’s going to be crucial to United’s silverware aspirations this season. What a signing!
Subs
Jesse Lingard – 6
Came on for Mkhitaryan in the 60th minute and looked eager to impress
Matteo Darmian – 6
Came on for Ashley Young in the 67th minute. Provided the team with some much-needed width.
Marcus Rashford – 6
Came on for Anthony Martial in the 72nd minute. It looks like he’ll have to fight it out with the Frenchman for a place, all season long. What a competition this is turning out to be!