Champions League: CFR Cluj v Manchester United full-time report

Robin Van Persie

CFR Cluj 1 Manchester United 2

Manchester United kept up their 100% record in this year’s Champions League after coming from behind to beat Romanian champions CFR Cluj at the Dr Constantin Radulescu Stadium.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side did however take a while to get going in unfamiliar surroundings, and fell behind early in the first half to a Pantelis Kapetanos strike. But a brace either side of half-time from Robin van Persie meant that United remained firmly in control of Group H even at this early stage.

It was a very slow start by United, who looked to be suffering a bit of a hangover from their surprise 3-2 home reverse against Tottenham on Saturday evening. The Romanians were keen to exploit Patrice Evra at left-back and it was no surprise that the opening goal came down United’s left hand side. Moudou Sougou skilfully beat the French international down the line and his cross was turned in by Kapetanos, who had wriggled free of the shackles of both Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans.

United then started to find their stride. Wayne Rooney was employed in a more deeper lying role behind both Van Persie and Javier Hernandez, and with Cluj defending deep, he was able to dictate the play of the game. It did take until 28 minutes before they drew level as Anderson and Rooney himself were guilty of missing good chances beforehand. The England forward was the architect for the goal after his wicked free-kick evaded the defenders and Van Persie was on hand to head the ball home, although replays showed that it actually came off his shoulder.

United continued to press without finding the all-important second goal but it finally came on 48 minutes and once again it was came courtesy of a Rooney assist and a Van Persie finish.

From his deeper role, Rooney picked out the former Arsenal man’s run and delivered a perfect 30-yard ball which the Dutchman cleverly flicked, first-time, around the goalkeeper.

United took their foot off the gas for the remaining 40 minutes and could have paid the price late-on as they were indebted to much maligned goalkeeper David De Gea. Daniel Ivo Pinto stole a march down the right flank and his cross was met firmly by Rafael Bastos but De Gea was alert to the danger and flicked the ball around the post for a corner, which came to nothing.

Lewis Jones

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