Player Ratings: CSKA Moscow 1-4 Manchester United
REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
Manchester United turned out big winners in their Champions League game against CSKA Moscow in Russia, as they thrashed the hosts 4-1.
The visiting English team was clinical, unlike CSKA, who failed to convert some great opportunities. Romelu Lukaku and Henrikh Mkhitaryan continued their great form, but it was Anthony Martial who stole the show after getting the nod ahead of Marcus Rashford for this game.
Jose Mourinho’s team has made it two wins in as many matches to make a solid start to their Champions League campaign. Let’s analyze the performances of the players:
CSKA Moscow:
Akinfeev: 7
The Russian goalkeeper let in 4 goals in his net, however, it was not all down to him, as he made a number of good saves to prevent his team from humiliation.
Vasin: 5
Much like his defensive partners, Vasin failed to contain the attacking threat of Manchester United. Poorly positioned on numerous occasions and couldn’t handle Martial.
Berezutski: 5
The veteran Russian defender was at fault for Lukaku’s second goal, as he failed to read the situation and made a mistake. Couldn’t command his defence.
Ignashevich: 5
CSKA Moscow trusted their experienced defenders to deal with United’s attack, but the decision backfired. The 38-year-old looked a yard short every time.
Wernbloom: 5
Given the responsibility of shielding his team’s 3-man defence, but failed. Caught out of position on a number of occasions, some of which led to goals.
Fernandes: 7
The right-back was playing in an advanced position, and he certainly liked it. Helped his team create a number of chances going forward.
Dzagoev: 6
The midfielder failed to shine, as he couldn’t muster that final ball or finish to help his team score. Could have done a lot better in many attacking scenarios.
Golovin: 7
Similar to his midfield partner, Golovin will look back at the match as an opportunity wasted, as he was involved in the thick of the match, but failed to impact the game largely. Assisted the only goal scored by his team.
Schennikov: 5.5
The left-back played in advanced wing position, and seemed a clear misfit there. Put an end to many good attacking scenarios with poor decision making.
Chalov: 6
With his team creating a number of chances, the young striker failed to add an end product to moves. Has a lot to learn.
Vitinho: 6.5
The Brazilian attacker showed lots of flair without any significant impact to the game. Wasteful when presented with chances.
Subs: Kuchaev: 7, Zhamaletdinov: 6, Milanov: 6
Manchester United:
De Gea: 7.5
The Spanish goalkeeper was made to work a lot more than he would have expected. The goal in dying minutes ruined the night for the shot-stopper, who looked good.
Bailly: 6.5
Bailly looked like he missed his usual partner, Phil Jones. Lack of composure was evident in his game throughout.
Smalling: 7
Replaced Phil Jones, but wasn’t as efficient and solid as his fellow English centre-back. Looking rusty because of limited game time so far.
Lindelof: 7
The costly signing of the summer is yet to put out a convincing performance in his new team. His lack of communication with the rest of defence seems to be a problem.
Blind: 7.5
The Dutchman went out in typical fashion, as he brought some much-needed mental strength at the back to calm things down. Wasn’t great going forward.
Matic: 8
A solid performance from the Serbian, as he shielded his team’s shaky defence well. Made last ditch interceptions and tackles to numerous attacks from the opposition.
Herrera: 7.5
Stepped up in the absence of Pogba and Fellaini. Showed fantastic work rate to contribute in attack as well as defence.
Young: 7
The veteran switched to the right-wing-back position today. Had an uneventful game despite trying his best to act as an attacking outlet on the right.
Martial: 9.5
Reuters / Phil Noble
Man of the match by some distance. Created havoc with his tricky runs down the left, as CSKA Moscow defenders chased shadows. Two assists and a coolly slotted penalty.
Mkhitaryan: 8
Won the penalty converted by Martial, and added to the scoreline at the hour mark to effectively win the match for his side.
Lukaku: 8.5
The Belgian can’t stop scoring for his new club. Showed great strength and aerial ability to score the first goal. Looking like the perfect striker for Mourinho’s team.
Subs: Rashford: 6, Lingard: 6, Darmian: 6
Written by Shorya Panwar 
Has 20+ years of experience managing Schalke in Football Manager 2017. Believes wing-backs are the most complete footballers in the modern/evolved football. Writes weird stuff on his personal blog.