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Player Ratings: Manchester United 2-1 CSKA Moscow

A standout performance from Luke Shaw, and a return to form for Juan Mata

Manchester United v CSKA Moskva - UEFA Champions League Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Two goals in two minutes were enough to see Manchester United come from behind to defeat CSKA Moscow on Tuesday night. The result means that Jose Mourinho’s side top Group A and advance to the round of 16 for the first time in four years. It was an impressive performance from Luke Shaw and Lukaku shined as the lone striker. Here are our player ratings:

Sergio Romero: 6.5

The Argentinian filled in for the very big boots of in-form David De Gea and could have little to do with the CSKA opener. Did very well to prevent Dzagoev from equalizing late on.

Victor Lindelöf: 7

After a shaky start to his life in a Manchester United shirt, Lindelöf seems to have found his from. He was solid in this game on the rare occasions that CSKA threatened. He looks more comfortable and was decent on the ball.

Chris Smalling: 6.5

Another reasonably solid performance from Smalling again. Much like Lindelöf, it appears that the more games he appears in, the more his performance improves. He carelessly left CSKA onside in their build-up to the opener, but a strong showing from the center-back.

Daley Blind: 6

Apart from their opening goal, it was a relatively easy night for the back-three. Blind got beat too easily for their goal, but was untroubled in the rest of the game and tried to link up with Luke Shaw offensively.

Antonio Valencia: 6.5

Another strong showing from the captain. Defended well and looked threatening going forward, a typical Valencia performance. Glad to get some rest ahead of the Manchester derby.

Luke Shaw: 8.5 (Man of the Match)

Shaw was very impressive in his first start in 219 days since the nightmare leg-break he suffered against PSV last season. He looked quick, sharp and dangerous in the more advanced position. Hit a lovely volley in the first-half that should’ve warranted a goal. Constantly looking in behind the defense, he was the stand-out player tonight.

Ander Herrera: 6.5

Worked hard and broke up play well with Matic rested. The Spaniard played his role effectively, though he may have to adapt into a more creative role if he is to replace Pogba on Sunday.

Paul Pogba: 7.5

Pogba had a relatively slow start to the game, as United found themselves on the back foot in the opening stages. However, he was integral to United’s creative outlets and showed some wonderful skill and touches. His vision and execution of the assist to Lukaku was superb.

Juan Mata: 7

After facing criticism in some of his past performances, Mata shrugged them off to show how effective he can be. Some lovely technical ability was shown tonight. His assist for Rashford’s goal was brilliantly done.

Marcus Rashford: 7

Rashford was a menace all night, giving Berezutski and the CSKA defense a difficult time throughout. He came close to opening scoring, but was denied by the post. Finished smartly in the 66th minute to give United the lead.

Romelu Lukaku: 7.5

His usual aerial threat was lessened by CSKA’s solid defending. However, the big Belgian was his usual powerful and threatening self and finished smartly after latching onto Paul Pogba’s through-ball. He came off with 15 minutes left.

Scott McTominay (Sub, 67’): 6

Came on for Herrera in the 67th minute. Booked, but did what he needed to do to see out the game.

Axel Tuanzebe (Sub, 72’): 6

The youngster came on for Valencia in the 72nd minute and looked comfortable and composed.

Anthony Martial (Sub, 75’): 6.5

Only on for 15 minutes but still tried to improve United’s lead.

Jose Mourinho: 7

United went down 1-0 in controversial fashion, yet Mourinho didn’t rush to change the system. The reds were in control throughout the game, and were unlucky not to score more. The use of the two wing-backs proved effective and gave CSKA trouble constantly. He will be glad to top the group and rest some big names for the vital game on Sunday.