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.
Liam Apicella
