MX23RW : Wednesday, May 8 18:17:00| >> :60:118:118:

Match Analysis: CFR Cluj 1-2 Manchester United

Match Analysis: CFR Cluj 1-2 Man United
© PA Photos
Sports Mole casts an eye over Manchester United's 2-1 victory over CFR Cluj in the Champions League.

Manchester United overturned a one-goal deficit to take maximum points from their Champions League encounter against CFR Cluj this evening.

Having fallen behind to a strike Pantelis Kapetanos, Robin van Persie scored either side of the break to spare United's blushes against the Romanian minnows.

Sports Mole has looked back over the 90 minutes to determine whether or not Sir Alex Ferguson's side deserved to defeat the three-time Romanian champions.

Match statistics

Cluj
Shots: 12
On Target: 7
Possession: 32%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 12

Man United
Shots: 14
On Target: 7
Possession: 68%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 8

Was the result fair?

The scoreline makes this one look a close match, but in truth it wasn't really. Cluj gave United a scare with and early goal, but as soon as Van Persie put the Red Devils in front, there was only going to be one winner. The hosts could have upset the script in stoppage time, but a United victory was fair.

Cluj's performance

They did the best they could considering the opposition they faced. United found it extremely hard to break down Cluj, who stood firm for large parts of the match. However, they'll be disappointed by the amount of space Van Persie was afforded for both goals.

Man United's performance

Once again United started a match slowly. They recovered well though, scoring two goals through their summer signing from Arsenal. Many expected United to score a bag full of goals this evening, but the way Cluj set themselves up made that impossible. The three points is all that matters and that is what United got.

Referee's Performance

Very good night from Alberto Mallenco. He only produced one booking and correctly turned down two United appeals for a penalty. Another pleasing aspect of his performance was the way that he played advantage whenever possible despite a foul being committed.

Sports Mole's man of the match

There were question marks over Wayne Rooney's fitness levels at the start of the season but he put those to bed this evening. The England international seemed to be everywhere and shone in his free role. Also set up both of Van Persie's goals.

Biggest gaffe

Patrice Evra's form over the past 18 months has been the subject of much scrutiny and you can see why tonight. He allowed Modou Sougou to go past him too easily and the winger rubbed salt in the wound by crossing for Kapetanos to score.

What's next?

Cluj: Next up for the Romanians is a trip to the usually hostile Galatasaray. If they are to have any chance of qualifying, they'll need to avoid defeat in Istanbul.

Man United: Two wins out two means that victory at home to Braga on matchday three could all but qualify the Red Devils for the knockout stages.

ID:48121: cacheID:48121:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5124:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Robin Van Persie
Read Next:
Half-Time Report: Cluj 1-1 Manchester United
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal36265588286083
2Manchester CityMan City35257387335482
3Liverpool36239481384378
4Aston Villa36207973532067
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs351861169581160
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle351751378562256
7Chelsea351591170591154
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd35166135255-354
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham361310135670-1449
10Bournemouth36139145263-1148
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton351211125357-447
12Wolverhampton WanderersWolves36137164960-1146
13Fulham36128165155-444
14Crystal Palace361110154957-843
15Everton36129153849-1137
16Brentford3699185260-836
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3689194563-1829
18Luton TownLuton3668224978-2926
19Burnley3659223974-3524
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd36372635100-6516


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!