Team Ratings: Manchester United vs Norwich City 29/10/2013

13. Anders Lindegaard - 6 - Was rarely troubled and saved to keep out Snodgrass in the second half. Will be happy with the clean sheet but needs to work on his distribution as his kicking sometimes looked below-par.

2. Rafael - 6 - Definitely seems to be finding his fitness and put in a good display. Was beaten once by Redmond early in the second half but overall did well in defence and attack.
5. Rio Ferdinand - 6 - A bit rusty after being out for a few weeks and it showed a couple of times as his passes went astray and out for throw-ins. Aside from this he caused problems in the Norwich box during corners and didn't have much to do against a poor Norwich attack.
15. Nemanja Vidic - 7 - Solid at the back and good in the air. Wasn't troubled but gave Elmander nothing.
28. Alex Buttner - 6 - Was very effective going forward and assisted Hernandez for his second with a brilliant cross. However against a better side he may have been punished defensively. Let Redmond past too easily once in the second half but luckily Lindegaard saved from Snodgrass' resulting header.
29. Wilfried Zaha - 6 - Put in some dangerous crosses but didn't get on the ball as much as Young on the other wing. Looked a bit rusty due to a lack of match fitness but will get better as he gets more game time.
23. Tom Cleverley - 6 - Bounced back from a poor display at the weekend with an energetic performance. Hardly put a foot wrong.
4. Phil Jones - 7 -  Linked up play well and was always strong in the tackle. Capped off a comfortable performance with a brilliant goal.

18. Ashley Young - 6 - Linked up really well with Januzaj but was guilty of some over-hit crosses.

44. Adnan Januzaj - 9 - Won the penalty, almost scored himself a couple of times and dictated play throughout as he constantly spread the ball and ran at the Norwich defence. They looked terrified of him. Clearly a wonderful talent.

14. Javier Chicharito Hernandez - 9 - Scored 2 goals including a well dispatched penalty. Showcased great movement as always and was a constant threat. Seems to be hitting some form.

Substitutions-

10. Wayne Rooney - 7 - Replaced Zaha. Over-hit a cross that could have provided Hernandez with a chance for his hat-trick but can be forgiven after assisting Fabio's goal with a beautiful ball over the top.

8. Anderson - 5 - Replaced Cleverley. Didn't make much of an impact.
22. Fabio - 7 - Replaced Januzaj. Scored a lovely goal less than two minutes after coming on. Great finish.

Match Report: Manchester United vs Norwich City 29/10/2013

Chicharito brace conquers Canaries and inspires 4-0 thrashing that sends United into the quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup.

This Capital One Cup clash came as Manchester United were just starting to find some form. After their third-round victory against Liverpool last month, they were hopeful of extending their 5 game unbeaten run in this tie against Chris Hughton's Canaries. 

Javier Hernandez, fresh from his heroics at the weekend, earned himself a start up front whilst forgotten man Wilfried Zaha finally made an appearance on the team sheet for the first time since the Community Shield in August. Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic returned to partner each other in defence as Phil Jones started in midfield.

United began brightly and attacked with pace down both flanks. Their first real opportunity came inside 14 minutes as Januzaj put a lovely ball through to Zaha in space on the right wing. Determined to prove himself, he rolled a good pass to Hernandez in the box who somehow managed to get a shot away despite being on the floor with his back to goal. It was blocked and United upped the pressure from the resulting corner to force another chance. A short corner from Young allowed Januzaj to whip the ball in and pick out Ferdinand at the back post. He headed it across the face of goal to Hernandez, who couldn't keep his header down under pressure.

Januzaj relished his role behind the striker and spread the play as though he had been doing it for years. He was involved again just before the 20 minute mark as this time he picked out Young in space on the left wing and made it into the box to complete the one-two. Januzaj took the ball to the byline and then went down under contact from Fer which saw Referee Kevin Friend point to the penalty spot. United favourite Hernandez stepped up to take it and dispatched it perfectly, sending Bunn the wrong way to put the home side deservedly ahead.

Januzaj could have had a goal himself not long after with a long-range effort from 25 yards after Jones had won the ball in midfield. The youngster's shot just missed the top left corner of the goal. The 18 year old then almost got on the end of another Zaha cross after good work from Jones and Rafael, but Norwich midfielder Fer this time got it away.

United were hardly troubled in defence and the majority of their attacking play came down the left-hand side as Young and Januzaj ran at Norwich's defence and looked lively throughout. Just before half time both were involved in two good chances. The first came after Young showed neat footwork and passed to Buttner on the left. Januzaj then took the ball, ran past four Norwich players into the box and hit a shot that was blocked well by Bennett. It then came back to Januzaj on the rebound but his second effort was also blocked, this time by Bassong. 

Januzaj next found some space and threaded a ball through to Young who whipped in a ball from the edge of the box that just missed Hernandez. It remained 1-0 at half time with United on top and Norwich desperate to find a way to stop Januzaj, who was at the heart of everything United did well in attack. 

The second half started off better for Norwich as they tried to get forward and trouble the United full-backs. Redmond got past Rafael down the left and created a chance for lone striker Elmander with a super cross but the frontman couldn't steer it in with his outstretched leg and his contact only helped the ball to trickle wide and out of play. It was then back to business for United as they quickly went down the other end and got their second through Hernandez. United exploited the space on the left hand side yet again as Buttner put in a well-timed cross that found the Mexican. His header was saved initially by Bunn but it rebounded back for him to head it again and this time it found the back of the night to give him, and United, their second of the night.

Redmond, arguably Norwich's best player on the night, created their best chance to get a goal back on 56 minutes as he beat Buttner easily on the right and put in a dangerous cross into the box. Snodgrass got up to send a header goalwards but he made contact with Rafael on the way up and Lindegaard made a comfortable save. It then became apparent that Snodgrass had been hurt in the collision and this lead to a 10-minute stoppage before he was stretchered off and replaced by Pilkington.

It was a similar tale to the first 60 minutes after the break in play as Januzaj caused problems yet again. He eased past Fer in midfield and hit a shot from long-range that went just wide of Bunn's right-hand post. It got worse for Norwich as Redmond went off injured and United brought on the in-form Rooney, who within minutes had almost set up Hernandez for his hat-trick. Unfortunately for the Mexican, his cross was over-hit and instead found Januzaj on the right, whose tricky footwork and cross forced a corner. Young tried another short corner to Januzaj, who took on the substitute Pilkington and passed it to Rafael. United's right-back crossed first time to Hernandez at the far post and he headed it across the box but it was cleared by Bassong. His clearance found Jones near the edge of the box who volleyed it past Bunn with great technique to put clear daylight between United and the away side. 

There was eleven minutes of time added on at the end after the unfortunate collision between Rafael and Snodgrass and United used this time to add a fourth. Rooney lofted a beautiful ball from just inside the Norwich half over the top to Fabio, a late substitute who had found himself in between the defence and with only Bunn to beat. He chested the ball down and managed to squeeze the ball in to the net despite the presence of the on-rushing goalkeeper. It was a composed finish with the outside of his right foot and ensured United sailed into the next round with an emphatic victory.

United will now relish finding out who they will face in the quarter-finals in tonight's draw and will be happy with a performance that has proved they can be clinical and finish teams off. They are now unbeaten in six games and it finally looks like Moyes is getting the best out of his side.

Team Ratings: Manchester United vs Stoke City 26/10/2013

1. David De Gea - 8 - Conceded two goals he couldn't do much about and saved United from conceding more in the first half which could have seen Stoke drift out of sight. Unfortunately his defence didn't help him out much.

12. Chris Smalling - 4 - Let Pieters past too easily to create the first goal and looked out of his depth until he was subbed off late on. Appears really uncomfortable as a full-back and he offered nothing in attack.
4. Phil Jones - 5 -  Really struggled against the height of Crouch and was below par all afternoon.

6. Jonny Evans - 5 - Should have cleared better for the goal and conceding so early seemed to disturb his usual composure. Also struggled with Crouch and had a poor day overall.

3. Patrice Evra - 7 -  United's best defender on the day did quite well considering Kagawa kept drifting inside and leaving him exposed. He got forward on several occasions and luckily managed to create a brilliant cross for Hernandez's winner late on.
17. Nani - 4 - Frustrated the fans as usual with his selfishness and shots off target. Was rightly taken off although he was involved in the move for the first goal. Did not deserve to be booed off.

16. Michael Carrick - 5 - Struggled and not for the first time this season. Doesn't seem to be the same player. Gave away the ball, slowed down play and could not impose himself on the game. 

23. Tom Cleverley - 4 - Allowed Pieters to get past him far too easily for the first goal. Wasteful in possession and failed to put a decent tackle in, often getting bypassed in midfield. Never looked like creating anything and United looked much better when he was replaced by Hernandez.

26. Shinji Kagawa - 5 - Drifted inside far too much, exposing Evra and meaning United lacked width. Needs to adapt his game to fit into this formation.

10. Wayne Rooney - 8 - Definitely United's best player on the day. Forced saves from Begovic twice in the first half with the second allowing Van Persie to get the equaliser. In the second half he scored a fantastic header that set United on the path to victory. What would they do without him?

20. Robin Van Persie - 6 - Managed a goal and an assist even though he didn't look at full-strength and was often left isolated up top. 

Substitutions-

44. Adnan Januzaj - 6 - Did a good job and United improved when he came on, he drew fouls from Stoke's defence and they looked scared when he ran at them.

14. Javier Chicharito Hernandez - 7 - United's super sub struck again against Stoke. Definitely looks better coming off the bench.

25. Antonio Valencia- 6 - Attacked well and helped to ensure United didn't concede late on.

Match Report: Manchester United vs Stoke City 26/10/2013

Stoke left a little pea'd off as super-sub Chicharito rescues reds in 3-2 win.

Manchester United's third consecutive match at Old Trafford yesterday came after a mid-week win against Real Sociedad in the Champions League. Their focus now switched to the Premier League, where they were hoping to finally find some form against Stoke City, the League's lowest scorers. Stoke, on the other hand, were looking to take something from the game after United had already dropped points at home during the campaign.

Robin Van Persie returned to United's starting eleven as did Tom Cleverley and Nani whilst Shinji Kagwa earned his second consecutive start after a good performance in mid-week. United, who had scored inside two minutes on Wednesday after they had forced an own goal, were less fortunate in this match as Stoke were the side to take an early lead. 

United could have been the first to score after Van Persie dragged a shot across the box but Stoke managed to get it away, unlike at the other end moments later when Pieters easily got in between Nani and Cleverley and evaded Smalling on the left wing to cross dangerously for Crouch. The striker hit his shot first time and De Gea made a fine save to keep it out but Evans' attempted clearance hit Crouch and rebounded into the net.

It was the worst possible start for United and it could have been worse on 13 minutes when Crouch went close to doubling Stoke's lead after a Walter's header down in the box allowed the front-man to volley from close range. Luckily for the home side he couldn't keep his effort down and it sailed over the bar.

United had their share of possession but it was Stoke who looked more likely to score again as they always seemed threatening on the attack. United's defence found it difficult to deal with Crouch and if it wasn't for De Gea in goal they could have conceded more in the opening half hour. The young Spaniard was vital for United again when N'Zonzi's cross found Crouch, who chested down in the area for Walters. Walters then hit it first time from close range but De Gea somehow managed to get his hands to it and parried it away, whilst Evans then made a good block that denied Walters the chance to test the keeper again with the rebound.

Walters then turned provider minutes later as his cross found Arnautovic in the box, however his shot was tame and saved easily by De Gea. United finally began to mount some pressure and Rooney tested Begovic with a lovely curling effort from 30 yards that the Bosnian tipped over. Just as it looked like the score would remain 1-0 until the second half, United cut out a Stoke attack and broke well. Van Persie gave Nani the ball on the right who swung in a cross that Rooney headed goalwards from the far post. Begovic got his left hand to it but could only clear the ball as far as Van Persie, who had ran 35 yards to get into the box and was able to get on the end of the rebound and fire it in to put United back on level terms.

Unfortunately for David Moyes, United failed to make it into half time level as Jones gifted Stoke a chance on the edge of United's area right before the break. His foul on Arnautovic was unnecessary and it was the Austrian who took the resulting free-kick, a fantastic hit into the top left corner that left De Gea with no chance. Arnautovic's first Premier League goal meant Stoke deservedly went into half-time ahead whilst United had it all to do to avoid dropping points yet again.

United looked more determined in the second half and were boosted by some attacking substitutions made by Moyes. First he replaced the misfiring Nani with talented youngster Januzaj who had helped them turn the game around at Sunderland three weeks ago. He then replaced Cleverley with Hernandez, who has an impressive scoring record against Stoke.

Hernandez was involved almost immediately for all the wrong reasons as Stoke believed his late challenge on Huth should have warranted more than just the yellow card given by Referee Lee Mason. It would have been harsh on the Mexican, who only looked to be closing the ball down. United then made their final substitution, another attacking move as Valencia replaced Smalling at right-back. He made a difference immediately as he got forward and forced a throw in with a tricky cross into the box. Seconds later the pressure forced a corner which Van Persie sent in from the left. It was met by Rooney who curled a magnificent looping header over Begovic and into the far corner of the net to equalise for United for the second time with 12 minutes to go.

United had found some momentum and capitalised less than two minutes later as they scored the winner through a Hernandez header. The home side moved the ball around more quickly in midfield and got the ball out to Evra on the left wing who made it to the byline and sent in the perfect cross for Hernandez. The Mexican displayed his usual superb movement and evaded his marker with ease to head in past Begovic. It was a turnaround worthy of Sir Alex Ferguson himself who watched on from the stands with delight. Whilst United were poor in many areas, Moyes will be pleased they showed some of the fighting spirit they often displayed when Ferguson was manager. Stoke will be disappointed to have conceded two so quickly and so late on but they can be proud of their performance as they scored two goals away, half of what their whole goal tally was in the League before the match began.

United next face Norwich City in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday in another game at Old Trafford before they travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham and ex-player Dimitar Berbatov in the League. They will be hoping to secure another three points, perhaps in a less dramatic fashion, to set them up for a home clash against League leaders Arsenal in two weeks' time.

Team Ratings: Manchester United vs Real Sociedad 23/10/2013

1. David De Gea - 7 - Did his job when called upon making a good save from Sociedad's only shot on target.

2. Rafael - 5 - Needs to be more careful with the challenges he makes in Europe and was subbed in the second half after being yellow carded in the first. Got forward well though and linked up nicely with Valencia in attack.
4. Phil Jones - 7 -  Had a 86% pass completion rate and made some decent clearances and vital interceptions. Almost scored too.

6. Jonny Evans - 7 - Solid. Again made some great long-range passes out to Valencia on the wing. Deserves a long run in the side.

3. Patrice Evra - 7 -  A good performance both defensively and in attack. Looked assured despite there being no proper left winger in front of him and made some good tackles.
25. Antonio Valencia- 8 - Always looked a threat going forward and attacked with purpose, unlucky not to see one of his crosses create an assist and very unlucky not to score himself after his shot hit the post.

16. Michael Carrick - 6 - Didn't do too much wrong but was quiet and gave the ball away a few times in the second half and still not looking at his best. Seemed to be limping at some points so he could have a knock.

11. Ryan Giggs - 7 - Somehow got better as the game went on. Unbelievable energy for his age and made some good passes. Assisted the offside goal in the first half.

26. Shinji Kagawa - 8 - Looked the creative outlet United have been lacking and linked up well with Rooney, especially towards the end when he finally had a chance in his natural position. Should have scored though.

10. Wayne Rooney - 9 - Created the goal, worked hard throughout and on another night could have had a hat-trick.

14. Javier Chicharito Hernandez - 5 - Put in a good shift but looks like he's still trying to find his fitness. Always gives 100% but definitely seems to do better coming off the bench.

Substitutions-

12. Chris Smalling - 6 - Replaced Rafael. Although he didn't get forward as much as Rafael he made some good challenges and decent clearances and helped to secure the clean sheet.

18. Ashley Young - 6 - Replaced Chicharito. Relieved a bit of the pressure by keeping the ball and winning corners. Looked lively.

Match Report: Manchester United vs Real Sociedad 23/10/2013

Star of David: Wayne Rooney shines in 1-0 victory that keeps United unbeaten in Europe.

After domestic disappointment so far this season in the Premier League, Manchester United relished the opportunity to silence their critics with a continuation of their unbeaten start to the Champions League group stage. Real Sociedad were the visitors to Old Trafford, a Spanish side currently struggling themselves in La Liga but hoping to capitalise on United's poor home record of late.

The main surprise in United's line-up was the omission of Dutch striker Robin Van Persie who was presumably left out of the squad due to injury. Hernandez took his place up front whilst Shinji Kagawa earned a rare start, his fourth of the season.

United got off to the perfect start when some brilliance from Rooney forced a Sociedad own goal inside two minutes. Evra won the ball out on the left wing and gave it to the striker who then skipped into the box effortlessly as he beat three players with ease. His shot then had Bravo beaten all ends up but came back off his left post. Martinez somehow failed to clear the rebound and hit it straight into his own net to put the home side ahead. Whilst it may have been a stroke of luck for United, Rooney's effort certainly deserved a goal. 

Rooney was involved again on 13 minutes as he got on to the end of a dangerous cross from Rafael after good work by the lively Valencia. United's number 10 sent a decent left-foot volley at Bravo but the Chilean keeper produced a good save to keep it out. United had all the momentum and began to play some brilliant one-touch football with Valencia, Kagawa and Rooney all looking dangerous on the attack. United thought they had their second before the 20 minute mark but Hernandez's header was rightly judged to be offside after wonderful work from Giggs. 

The remainder of the half was a bit stop-start as referee Bas Nijhuis halted play several times to give out yellow cards to both sides. This allowed Sociedad to settle into the game more as it interrupted United's fluency and impetus. The Spanish side took advantage and finally tested De Gea just before the half hour mark. Giggs was dispossessed in midfield and gifted the ball to Seferovic who ran at Evans and unleashed a wicked shot from outside the area that took a deflection and was tipped over the bar by De Gea.

Jones had United's best chance before half time with a header from a Giggs corner that should have been on target. Instead it flew over Bravo's bar and it was the away side that ended the half strongest as a terrific free kick from Griezmann beat De Gea but bounced off the frame of the goal and was cleared to ensure United went into half time with a clean sheet.

United started the second half slowly which allowed Sociedad to attack more freely. Seferovic was involved once more in a move that saw the home team almost score an own goal themselves through a clearance by Evans. Luckily for United they managed to survive the pressure with Jones and Evans looking an assured pair at the heart of the defence. United soon began to create chances of their own as Jones this time sent a headed effort on target after a wonderful cross from Kagawa out on the left found him in space at the far post. Bravo was alert to the danger and made the save to keep the score at 1-0.

Valencia had two decent efforts in as many minutes after good link-up play with Rooney on both occasions. His first drilled attempt was saved by Bravo but the Chilean was beaten by his second and will have been thankful to see his right-hand post deny the Ecuadorian the goal he deserved after Rooney's cute through ball had gifted him the opportunity to shoot. Valencia was involved again on 65 minutes as he completed a quick United move with a perfect cross to Kagawa whose shot was blocked bravely by Martinez.

United spurned another chance when Rooney blazed his shot over the bar after a nice headed flick on from Valencia. Sociedad saw a free-kick go wide ten minutes from time but struggled to trouble United after their dominant ten minute period at the start of the second-half. United continued to create opportunities up until the final whistle as substitute Ashley Young almost got on the end of a Rooney cross after Kagawa did well in the air. However, Bravo anticipated the cross and denied the winger the chance for a tap-in.

United could have had 4 or 5 goals and probably should have but it was a good performance all round by Moyes' men and they will be content to have three points, a clean sheet and remain unbeaten in this competition. There were many encouraging aspects of the performance with Kagawa, Valencia and man-of-the-match Rooney all playing particularly well. With another home match against Stoke on Saturday and a possible return for Van Persie, they will be hoping for another three points; although perhaps with a more clinical scoreline.

Team Ratings: Manchester United vs Southampton 19/10/2013

1. David De Gea - 7 - Made a decent save late on after never really being tested and distributed the ball well. Couldn't do much about the goal.

2. Rafael - 6 - Always looks dangerous on the attack although nobody got onto the end of his crosses. Did well to cut out some of their attacks but sometimes caught out by Shaw on the overlap.
4. Phil Jones - 5 - Seems more comfortable in this position but is prone to clumsy mistakes and should have done much better for the goal.

6. Jonny Evans - 7 - Looked composed and played some good cross-field passes. Dealt with Osvaldo well.

3. Patrice Evra - 4 - Constantly caught out of position, a liability at times as he often loses possession high up the pitch and can't get back.
17. Nani - 5 - Frustrating as usual. Nearly scored with a header but should have created more chances for Van Persie and Rooney.

16. Michael Carrick - 6 - Did his job well in the holding role and kept the ball well but United needed more energy in the centre and his partnership with Fellaini left a lot to be desired.

31. Marouane Fellaini - 3 - The game seemed to pass him by in the centre. Failed to impose himself and was shown up by the hard-working Wanyama. Slowed everything down and was poor in all areas.

44. Adnan Januzaj - 7 - Involved in the set up for the goal with a wonderful pass and forced a fine save from Boruc in the second half with a long-range strike. Also contributed to the cause defensively. Will only improve.

10. Wayne Rooney - 4 - Looked tired and sluggish. Had a decent effort in the first half but gave the ball away countless times and never really got going. Perhaps his England excursions catching up with him.

20. Robin Van Persie - 5 - Good instinctive finish but also looked tired and perhaps carrying an injury. Should have scored more really.

Substitutions-

11. Ryan Giggs - 4 - Replaced Nani. Proved that he was not the player United needed to come on. Ineffective.
19. Danny Welbeck - 4 - Replaced Fellaini. Could have crossed to give Rooney a tap in late on but took too long and ended up losing the ball.
12. Chris Smalling - 4 - Replaced Rooney. Contributed nothing.

Match Report: Manchester United vs Southampton 19/10/2013

Not the Sir Alex Ferguson Way: United concede late on as persistent Saints steal point at Old Trafford in 1-1 draw.

United fans were in confident mood yesterday morning as news broke that the club had successfully secured the services of teen sensation Adnan Januzaj on a five-year deal. The Belgium-born starlet's day got even better as he was also handed his second Premier League start after his match-winning performance at The Stadium of Light two weeks ago. United opted for changes in central midfield as Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini were chosen in the absence of Tom Cleverley. Defensively, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans were the preferred central pairing at the back.

Moyes' side started off brightly and got their first sight of goal inside 10 minutes as Van Persie had two efforts in as many minutes. The first came after a good ball over the top from Carrick found the striker in space in the box but his volley went wide of the far post. His next chance came after good interplay from Rafael and Nani but his shot didn't trouble Boruc and was easily saved.

Moments later a lapse in concentration from Rooney allowed Southampton a real chance, Lallana stole the ball off Rooney deep in United's half and crossed for Osvaldo in the box but luckily for United his shot did little to trouble De Gea who saved comfortably.

United finally got the breakthrough 26 minutes into the first half after man-of-the-moment Januzaj threaded Rooney in down the left with a beautifully weighted curling pass that left the England striker one-on-one with the keeper. His shot was hit straight at Boruc but Van Persie reacted quickest and took the rebound instinctively, rounded the keeper and fired in from the left to put United ahead.

United began to look dominant as Nani put in a cross that found Rooney in the box who lost his man and turned well to hit the bar with a powerful shot. Southampton were constantly pressing up the pitch and trying to limit United's attacking forces but it seemed only a matter of time before the home side would get that killer second.

Surprisingly, it was the Saints who looked the most likely to score after half time. Their fluidity in midfield and fast passing movement caused problems for United and they finally began to show some attacking purpose. First Shaw did incredibly well to send in a good cross after he had made a tireless overlapping run but his ball in was cleared by Evans before Lallana had time to strike. Southampton then created the best chance after half time from the following corner as Lovren's looping headed effort was cleared off the line by Van Persie. 

United tried to up the tempo themselves and created many of their best chances through Januzaj. Around the hour mark he shared a lovely one-two with Evra which allowed the left back to cross for Rooney but it was cleared well by Southampton's resilient defence. The resulting corner from Rooney then caused havoc as it found Van Persie who guided his header well and was unlucky to see it graze the bar rather than nestle in the back of the net. The ball was then sent back into the crowded box acrobatically by Evans and fell onto the head of Nani who forced a solid save from Boruc but it was quickly scrambled away for another corner. United's second corner was this time punched away well by Boruc. The ball eventually found its way to Januzaj in space who unleashed a swerving left-foot power drive from outside the box but United were thwarted once again as it was saved tremendously by Boruc who was experiencing his busiest period of the match.

At the other end Southampton struggled to trouble De Gea and get back on terms. The second goal seemed to have eluded United and David Moyes made some surprising substitutions that suggested he was happy to keep it at 1-0. First he replaced the attack-minded Nani with Giggs who was put on the right until Welbeck came on minutes later to replace Fellaini. Giggs went in the middle and immediately United looked like they might concede with Clyne finally testing De Gea who did well to make a fine stop after a quiet game. 

However, the most baffling of all the changes came in the 87th minute when Rooney was taken off. This wouldn't have been too surprising as it wasn't his best performance but the shock came as the board went up to show that his replacement would be Chris Smalling. It clearly wasn't a like-for-like swap and it meant that Smalling would partner Evans in defence for the final minutes and Jones would push up into the midfield. However, it is indicative of United's failings in this area when a 39-year-old and a central defender are called upon to see the game out in midfield and it clearly showed that this is still a problem area at the club, regardless of the signing of Fellaini- who did little to prove himself to the fans with his display. 

Whilst United supporters attempted to understand the substitutions, Southampton became confident that United had resigned themselves to only scoring one and their persistence paid off when they got a scrappy equaliser at the death, two minutes after Rooney had departed the field. One of their substitutes Ward-Prowse crossed dangerously from a corner and Lovren got just in front of Jones to slice it towards goal, it then took the slightest of deflections off Lallana's thigh and went through the legs of De Gea to gift Southampton a precious equaliser. Even with 5 minutes of injury time United could not find a winner, although some would have fancied their chances much better had two of their most attacking players Nani and Rooney still been on the field.

Whilst some will point the finger at David Moyes for some bizarre substitutions, United had numerous chances to get a second and put the game to bed in the second half but failed to find the clinical finish they needed. There are definitely several issues that need to be addressed, especially in midfield and these need to be rectified fast if United are to achieve a top four spot come May. Their attention now turns to Europe and with plenty of squad rotation expected, the fans will be hoping they can at least keep up their unbeaten start in this competition and put performances like yesterday's well and truly behind them.

Team Ratings: Sunderland vs Manchester United 05/10/2013

1. David De Gea - 8 - Has a contender for save of the season with a superb stop from Giaccherini that proved vital for United. This contribution was just as important for the win as Januzaj's two goals and he is proving himself to be the best shot stopper in this league.

2. Rafael - 6 - Struggled against Johnson particularly in the first half but did better in the second defensively and tried his best to get forward although many of his crosses were poor.
4. Phil Jones - 6 - Should have done better to clear it for their goal. Did well to rectify a mistake by making a well-timed tackle in the box after the ball had been stolen off him by Gardner. Did much better in the second half but he looks more comfortable in midfield where an error is often less costly.
15. Nemanja Vidic - 5 - Huge error for the goal when he failed to clear and looked all over the place for much of the first half. Managed to settle in the second half but it was a poor performance against Altidore.
3. Patrice Evra - 6 - Caught out defensively as Giaccherini went past him as if he wasn't there for Sunderland's goal but he did much better going forward setting up Nani with the volley that he missed and Januzaj with his first. Also set up Van Persie in the second half but his shot was too weak to trouble the keeper.
17. Nani - 7 - Was United's best attacker along with Januzaj and often beat players or tried to put in a dangerous cross, as he did in the second half which led to the winner. His end product does need improvement but he has the ability to provide the creative spark needed.
16. Michael Carrick - 6 - Looked nervous at times and played very deep in the first half which meant Rooney and Van Persie struggled to get in the game. Looked much improved in the second half but still lacking in his fantastic form from last season.
23. Tom Cleverley - 7 - Distributed the ball well in the second half and closed Sunderland down well with his tireless work rate. Growing with each game, he just needs to get forward better and add goals to his performances.
44. Adnan Januzaj - 9 - What a time to announce yourself on this kind of stage. Looked dangerous from the start and went close early on although his finish was off target. Improved upon this in the second half with two magnificent goals one from his right foot, the other his left and the second a stunning volley. Needs a new contract, fast.

10. Wayne Rooney - 5 - One of his worst performances this season, his passing was wayward and he struggled to link up with Van Persie as he was caught in two minds whether he wanted to drop deep or not. However, he can be forgiven given that he has been the stand-out performer for most of United's games this season.

20. Robin Van Persie - 5 - Seemed isolated up front and struggled even when given the ball on a plate by Valencia in the second half. The shot should have been buried but he missed it uncharacteristically. Still showed he has the touch and control but should be doing better and hopefully 2 games with Holland will get him back in goalscoring form.

Substitutions-

25. Antonio Valencia - 7 - Replaced Nani. Looked sharp and created the Van Persie chance beating two Sunderland players. Also helped out defensively.
19. Danny Welbeck - 6 - Replaced Januzaj. Kept the ball well with some clever play and helped to see out the game.
12. Chris Smalling - N/A - Replaced Rafael. Came on too late to make any contribution.

Match Report: Sunderland vs Manchester United 05/10/2013

Adda Boy! Double delight for Adnan Januzaj as Belgian's brace helps United come from behind to sink Sunderland.

United travelled to the Stadium of Light for their 7th league game of the season 12th in the table and on the back of successive defeats in their last two Premier League games. Their opponents Sunderland were faring even worse, without a manager they lay bottom of the table with 1 point from their first 6 games. Both teams were in desperate need of the 3 points.

David Moyes handed a first league start to Adnan Januzaj, the 18-year-old Belgian who has been tipped as a future star at Old Trafford. Wayne Rooney returned to start up front with Robin Van Persie whilst Phil Jones partnered Nemanja Vidic in central defence.

Sunderland were quickest out of the traps and went ahead inside 5 minutes after a series of defensive errors from United. First Evra allowed Giaccherini to ease past him and put in a dangerous cross into the box from the right. The cross found Jones in the centre who cleared it but only as far as Vidic beside him in the box, United's captain then made a huge mistake as he failed to clear it properly and instead hit the ball against his standing leg. It then rolled right into the path of Gardner, who needed no invitation to strike it first time into the bottom left hand corner.

It was the perfect start for Sunderland who continued to press and almost got another opportunity 4 minutes later after another defensive error from Jones. He took too long to decide where to pass deep inside his own half and allowed Gardner to steal the ball off him and run into the United box. Sunderland had Altidore and Giaccherini waiting in the centre for the cross but this time it was Sunderland's man who took too long to decide what to do with the ball which gave Jones the time to make up the ground and win it back with a well-timed tackle in the penalty area.

It took United 17 minutes to create a decent chance as Januzaj did well to create space for himself on the edge of the box and took a shot that went wide of Westwood's right hand post. United went close again minutes later when Evra put in a good curling cross that fell perfectly for Nani unmarked near the far post. The Portuguese winger volleyed it with good technique but should have done much better as it missed and went wide. 

Undeterred, Sunderland tried to get their second and would have on 34 minutes had De Gea not made a superb save. Johnson had crossed from the left and found Giaccherini in space in the box. The Italian headed the ball with great power and it looked set to fly into the top corner until De Gea somehow parried it away with his right hand to keep United in the game. It was a magnificent stop and was every bit as important as a goal for his team.

Right before half time Sunderland should have got another as Johnson wriggled his way through the defence, past Rafael and Nani and then Jones and Vidic who both slid in and missed him in the box. He then crossed for Giaccherini who should have found the target but instead blasted the ball over the bar. Sunderland will have felt their constant pressure warranted more than one goal but they will have been content to go into half time in a winning position. United, however, needed to sort out their worrying defence and find some way to get their attacking players more involved with Januzaj and Nani looking the most likely to create something.

Januzaj was involved immediately in the second half, first as he was rightly booked for a dive in the box and then 10 minutes in when he started and finished the move that gave United the equaliser. He shielded the ball well in midfield before he pinged it out wide to Evra who took it well on his chest, let the ball bounce twice and then hit it first time into the box where Januzaj waited having anticipated the return ball. The Belgian struck it sweetly with his right foot and saw it nestle in the corner of the net to put United back on terms.

Moments later Van Persie had a chance as Evra linked up well with Januzaj on the left and put in another good cross, but the striker hit it far too soft to trouble Westwood who saved it easily. United then tried their luck down the right with Nani who skipped past Ki and crossed with the outside of his foot. O'shea headed clear but only as far as Januzaj who, confident from his first goal 6 minutes earlier, hit a wonderful left-foot volley from just inside the box on the left that beat the outstretched hands of Westwood and found the bottom right hand corner. It was a devastating blow for Sunderland who were ahead and had looked comfortable for 55 minutes but United showed better intensity in the second half and Moyes was rewarded for showing his faith in a fearless teenager.

Van Persie should have sealed the win at the death when Valencia drifted through the midfield well and put in a through ball that left the Dutchman one-on-one with the keeper. With Sunderland supporters looking on nervously, he hit it with his left rather than his right and sent his shot wide. Sunderland forced a corner in extra time that had to be punched, and then kicked, away by De Gea but United saw out the win and will be extremely relieved to come away from the Stadium of Light with the 3 points after an early scare.

With the international period almost upon us, United now have time to review their performance and identify the defensive problems in time for their next game in just under 3 weeks time at Old Trafford against Stoke. It is a match in which United fans will be hoping for more of the same: 3 points and the chance to see Januzaj impress, this time in front of the home crowd.

Team Ratings: FC Shakhtar Donetsk vs Manchester United 02/10/2013

1. David De Gea - 7 - Was brave to come off his line and jump on the ball after a tricky cross in from Shevchuk near the start of the second half. Couldn't do anything about the goal and made a terrific save to tip the ball over the top after a nasty deflection off Smalling sent the ball shooting towards the top corner. It could have caught him out but he stayed alert and protected the goal well.

2. Rafael - 6 - Proved again why the right back spot is his with a good performance that did not allow him to get forward as much as he usually does. He did well defensively and made some good tackles to ensure United got the point. Also linked up well with Van Persie to allow the Dutchman a shot that was blocked in the latter stages.
12. Chris Smalling - 7 - Looks far more comfortable in his natural position and this experience will be great for him. Got in some vital headers and survived the pressure late on.
15. Nemanja Vidic - 7 - Was a rock in the defence for 75 minutes until his mistake gifted Taison the ball in the box and allowed Shakhtar to equalise. However, he was one of United's outstanding performers besides this mistake as he made countless important tackles, headers and clearances including one vital one early in the second half when he dispossessed Adriano in a dangerous position in the box.
3. Patrice Evra - 6 - A decent performance by the Frenchman who showed he still has it in him to put in a good defensive shift although he was helped out by the tireless running of Welbeck.
25. Antonio Valencia - 6 - Was involved in the United goal after giving the ball to Fellaini who provided the assist but apart from that was more focused on helping out Rafael than getting forward. Did the job though and tracked back well, more so than if Young or Nani were in his position.
16. Michael Carrick - 6 - Showed his experience as he kept possession and shielded the defence by keeping it tight in front of United's box. One of his better performances so far this season.
31. Marouanne Fellaini - 5 - Got an assist but was quite wasteful in possession and was taken off in the second half as he seemed to be fouling players all the time. Was booked although the ref somehow got him confused with Valencia.

23. Tom Cleverley - 7 - Very assured performance, he injects energy into the midfield and never stopped running and closing down the opposition. 

19. Danny Welbeck - 7 - Got the goal United needed with a fearless finish after a brilliant run into the box. He anticipated the mistake that allowed him to slide in and steer the ball in with a typical foward's finish. Apart from the goal he didn't get much chance to work the goalkeeper but he ran tirelessly all game making it hard for Shakhtar and helping Evra out down the left.

20. Robin Van Persie - 6 - Didn't have too many chances and was a bit isolated up front on his own but looked sharp on the ball and did well to turn his defender in the first half and get a shot away and linked up well with Rafael to start a move in the second half that he could have finished had his shot not been blocked. Won some good headers and it was a decent performance overall.

Substitutions-

11. Ryan Giggs - 6 - Replaced Fellaini. Mr Experience. He did his job well coming on for his record 145th Champions League appearance.
4. Phil Jones - N/A - Came on with seconds remaining to wind down the clock so had little chance to do anything.

Match Report: FC Shakhtar Donetsk vs Manchester United 02/10/2013

Moyes' boys earn hard-fought point in Ukraine as unbeaten United top Group A after their two opening Champions League matches.

A European fixture on a freezing Wednesday night in a Ukrainian stadium where no English team has ever won was probably one of the less inviting propositions for David Moyes and his Manchester United team, particularly considering their rough start in the Premier League where they haven't scored from open play since their victory away at Swansea in August. United hoped to maintain a good start to their campaign in this competition after a good performance and win in their opener against Bayer Leverkusen at Old Trafford.

Moyes opted to make several changes from the side that were beaten at home to West Brom and chose to field three central midfielders in Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley and Marouanne Fellaini. Their player of the month for September Wayne Rooney was ruled out at the last minute with a shin injury which meant Danny Welbeck and Robin Van Persie were paired in attack.

United started brightly with a 4-3-3 formation and created the first real chance of the match inside 8 minutes as Van Persie beat the offside trap and controlled a lovely ball over the top from Cleverley with his usual class and elegance. The Dutchman turned well and aimed his shot for the top left corner but his effort flew over the bar for a goal kick.

Shakhtar finally began to put some pressure on the United defence and seemed unlucky to have a penalty shout turned down in the 14th minute. Their corner in from the right was cleared by Fellaini but only as far as Teixeira and Cleverley, whose left outstretched leg missed the ball and made slight contact with the Brazilian's left ankle. Their claim was immediately dismissed by the Czech referee Pavel Kralovec and the hosts were left understandably frustrated when United went ahead 4 minutes later.

To add insult to injury it seemed that the goal came from a throw in that should have been Shakhtar's after Valencia seemed to get a touch on it. However, it was Shakhtar's defence who created the opening as Hubschman struggled to deal with Fellaini and allowed the Belgian to drag the ball across the six-yard line. Danny Welbeck loitered on the edge of the box and made a brilliant run inside the area which was rewarded as Rakitskiy slipped, allowing the English striker to slide in fearlessly and poke the ball home.

Srna should have done better after good work down the right by Shakhtar's most creative player Costa gifted him the ball in space to cross but instead the captain opted to shoot and United were thankful to see it go high and wide. It was a half of few chances as United tried to hold possession in the centre and they led as the game went into half time.

Shakhtar looked to improve on their poor set pieces in the second half and went close early on as the culprit for gifting Welbeck the chance for his goal in the first half, Rakitskiy, couldn't keep his free kick effort on target as it sidled past De Gea's left hand post. More Ukranian pressure came moments later as De Gea was tested for the first time inside 53 minutes when Shevchuk beat Rafael with ease and hit a dangerous ball into the box that bypassed Smalling and Vidic. United's young keeper stayed alert to the danger and showed bravery to dive on the ball and put a stop to the attack.

United's defence had to withstand plenty of pressure in the early period of the second half with little opportunity to get forward but United's captain Nemanja Vidic lead by example and did especially well to dispossess Adriano in a dangerous position in the box in the 55th minute. United began to pass the ball around just outside the Shakhtar area but were content to keep possession rather than try for another goal. 

On 65 minutes Vidic was involved again as he was booked for a foolish foul on Costa, who had proved a tricky customer all night. The Serb pulled him down by his shirt and was lucky the offence was not committed inside the penalty area as it was a certain foul. Luckily for Moyes the resulting free kick from 25 yards out was easily blocked and dealt with by the United wall.

A minute later and history was made as Fellaini was replaced by United's veteran midfielder Ryan Giggs who came on for his 145th Champions League appearance, surpassing Raul's record of 144. It is an astonishing feat for the Welshman who turns 40 next month.

Chances were few and far between for United who were placing more importance on trying to hold onto their slim lead. However, inside 71 minutes Van Persie and Rafael linked up wonderfully as the Dutchman's beautiful touch allowed United's Brazilian to power down the right, into the box and lay the ball off to Van Persie who was waiting in the centre to complete the move he started. He was unlucky as he turned and struck the ball clearly but it was well blocked by Rakitskiy who stopped the shot which looked like it was going to be on target.

Rakitskiy was then involved down the other end of the pitch in the United area as he turned creator for Skakhtar's equaliser. The Ukranian played a lovely one-two with Taison and delivered a cross into the United box that Vidic failed to deal with as he could only clear the ball as far as Taison, who fired it powerfully into the top of the net with his right foot. With the crowd feeling Shakhtar could get the winner, they continued to press. Teixeiron struck a cross that took a wicked deflection off Smalling but was expertly saved by an alert De Gea to keep the scores level.

United defended well under pressure at the death and even saw a Van Persie corner punched away by Shakhtar's keeper Pyatov before the whistle blew meaning both sides shared the points. 

It was a satisfying night for Moyes and United, who can take a point home from a hostile venue and against a team that has never lost at home to English opposition. Had Wayne Rooney been fit there might have been more opportunities for the away side going forward but they will have been delighted to see their defence concede only one. Next up in this competition United face back-to-back games against Real Sociedad who lie bottom of Group A. United will be hoping they can get more points on the board in those two fixtures and remain top of the group for Shakhtar's visit to Old Trafford in their final group game in December.