Manchester United went in to Tuesday's Champions League game against CSKA Moscow knowing they had to avoid losing by six goals to go through to the next round. United won 2-1, but it wasn't plain sailing.
Despite dominating the first half, it was the visitors who took the lead, although replays suggested it should have been ruled out for offside. In the second half, following increased pressure, Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford scored in quick succession to secure the points and United's place at the top of their group.
Job done.
Positives
Lukaku wasn't heavily involved in the game but scoring the all-important equalising goal will have done his confidence good ahead of the Manchester City game. He walked down the tunnel with the Stretford End singing his name.
Rashford put in a dazzling display but the fact he lasted the full 90 minutes suggests he will be on the bench for the derby.
It was good to see such a positive mentality from United after the break. To concede just before half-time was frustrating but United carried on going to get the result they deserved.
Negatives
All in all it was a fairly good evening for United. They were wasteful with some of their chances and sloppy with their passing at times but nothing worth complaining about in light of the result.
Manager rating out of 10
7 -- Jose Mourinho was able to rest enough key players ahead of Sunday's game while still getting the result he needed. Gave two youngsters a go.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Sergio Romero, 6 -- Wasn't really tested but made a good stop in the last five minutes.
DF Antonio Valencia, 6 -- Got down the right wing well. Didn't have much to do defensively. Taken off with 20 minutes to play.
DF Victor Lindelof, 6 -- Another composed display. Looks as though the Swede is finding his feet.
DF Chris Smalling, 6 -- Made some important blocks. Should have scored at the other end too.
Marcus Rashford John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images
DF Luke Shaw, 6 -- Used his pace to get back and make good tackles. He spent much of the game aiding the attack and forced a good save in the first half.
MF Daley Blind, 5 -- Loose pass set up a dangerous chance for the opposition. Wasn't put under much pressure.
MF Ander Herrera, 6 -- Worked hard in the centre of the park. Replaced with 25 minutes to play. Presumably starting at the weekend.
MF Paul Pogba, 7 -- Central to most of the good things that United did, even if he dithered at times. Played a brilliant ball over the top to Lukaku for the equaliser.
MF Juan Mata, 7 -- Excellent touch to bring down a ball and set up Rashford tor a chance in the first half. Put it on a plate for Smalling in the second half with a great ball, before assisting Rashford for the winner.
FW Marcus Rashford, 8 -- Scored the goal to put United ahead. Should have scored with just a few minutes played when one on one but was denied by the woodwork. Displayed lovely bits of skill to beat his man throughout the game.
FW Romelu Lukaku, 6 -- After a quiet evening, showed great strength the get away from his marker before getting a toe to the ball to draw United level.
Substitutes
MF Scott McTominay, 6 -- Replaced Herrera.
DF Axel Tuanzebe, N/A -- Replaced Valencia. Nutmegged an opposition defender when on the attack.
FW Anthony Martial, N/A -- Replaced Lukaku. Went on a few good runs.
Source: espn.co.uk