Manchester United went into yesterday’s game against CSKA Moscow needing a point – which was achieved – but as usual it was done the hard way and once again the problems in the defence were apparent, and it was this problem which nearly led to an embarrassing defeat.

You cannot fault United’s determination when they were 3-1 down, something which paid off, but while you can give credit to the midfielders and forwards for their tenacity, the defence was again, unfortunately, the problem. They failure at times to deal with high balls, or reluctance to put a challenge in nearly cost them.

You could argue that this was a completely different looking back four, what with Neville, Brown, Evans and Fabio all second-string, but it is a slight concern considering the patchy form of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. Both those two missed the game, and there we find another problem, they get injured far too often meaning these players have to make sure that they can provide the adequate cover. The two central midfielders, Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher did not track back to often.

The Red Devils had started the game positively, both Michael Owen and Federico Macheda having good chances as this reshuffled United side had pressed hard for a goal. But it was the away side who took the lead, Alan Dzagoev scoring a terrific goal which beat a static Edwin van der Sar. A reply was quick, typical of United, as Owen’s shot a few minutes later meant the teams were level again.

Milos Krasic had then made it 2-1, and after the interval Vasili Berezutski headed home a free-kick and a famous victory was on the cards. But United had another card up their sleeve, that of Wayne Rooney, who came off the bench and instantly helped turn the game back into the home side’s favour. Rooney, just 24 hours before was celebrating the name of new son Kai Wayne, but we will we stick to observing the match instead of his choice of name.

Before he had come on, United had a strong penalty shout. Darren Fletcher appeared to have been fouled, but was booked for ‘diving instead much to his dismay. The hosts continued to press, and as the minutes ticked, with much more urgency. It was someone who Sir Alex himself admires so much, opposition ‘keeper Igor Akinfeev who looked destined to save Moscow.

But as time was ticking, and with the score at 3-1 United needed something special. You have to be impressed with the way United kept on pressing and how, even with CSKA putting everyone behind the ball, they managed to find chances and then gradually find goals.

Akinfeev continued to deny any chance of a goal, and even had help from the post as Macheda’s header had threatened to give United a lifeline. Paul Scholes’ header had made it 3-2 on the 84th minute, headering Gary Neville’s free kick past Akinfeev. Much of the same was required as the game grew closer to its end. Antonio Valencia’s shot deep in injury time was deflected and the comeback was complete. The goal sealed last year’s runner-up in the last 16, and to cap off a grandstand finish, CSKA’s Deividas Semberas saw red after a second bookable offence.

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A couple of weeks ago, we done a scout report on Man Utd target Stephen Defour and on Thursday, we will do one on Igor Akinfeev, after his impressive performance at Old Trafford.