Manchester United vs CSKA Moscow Champions League, Group Stage 05.12.2017 FT 2-1 Manchester United strode through to the knockout stage of the Champions League with what in the end turned out to be a hard-fought win against CSKA Moscow last night. With five victories from six matches, they topped their group but will encounter sterner tasks ahead if they are to make a real impact in this year's competition. Despite dominating the opening period, it looked as though the sides would go in level at half-time. Marcus Rashford hit the post early on and the impressive Luke Shaw, in his first start of the season drove a shot goalwards only to be denied by Igor Akinfeev with Romemlu Lukaku failing to convert the rebound. Another effort from the left back just failed to find Rashford as United dominated but without reward. But with seconds to go the Russians took a shock interval lead when Fernades' low cross was deflected in by Alam Dzageoev with the officials adjudging Daley Blind having played him onside when he was actually beyond the by-line! A second-half onslaught ensued, CSKA were forced back time and again and eventually caved in in two dramatic minutes. Firstly Lukaku beat his marker to prod home only his second goal in a dozen matches and almost immediately Rashford netted the winner via a fine ball from Juan Mata. After that, Jose Mourinho rang the changes with Ander Herrea, Lukaku and Antonio Valencia taking an early bath with Sundays' clash with City in mind. There was just one moment of concern when Romero kept out a close-range effort but the Reds saw it through as they prepare for the big one this coming weekend. Commentary by Lew Fink