Manchester United, with Mata in the line-up, wins to CSKA Moscow (1-0) thanks to a Rooney’s header. The knockout stage a step closed.
United, with Mata in the starting XI, edged out CSKA Moscow (1-0) at Old Trafford. Rooney with header ended United poor form in front of goal after 404 minutes. The Red Devils kept their Champions hopes alive, and the qualification is closer as they moved top of the group.
CSKA, as they did a couple weeks ago, sat deep not giving many opportunities to United that time after time run into the defense. In those moments, Mata brought a bit of light to United play taking part in some of the best chances. In the first half, Mata nearly score after Blind’s pass but the shot was to forced. In the second, he set up a ball after a great attacking action that Rooney missed in front of goal.
Juan who was replaced by Depay in the 74 minutes, left the pitch with a pass accuracy of 86%. Five minutes later, Rooney scored the long awaited goal. Instants earlier, De Gea and Smalling denied miraculously to Doumbia. The captain sealed an important win for United, that moves top of the group with 7 points having to matches left in the group stage.
