Played
December 5, 2012 10:45 PM EAT
Old Trafford — Manchester
Referee:‬ D. Orsato‎
Attendance:‬ 71521‎
 
 
Luis Alberto 56′
   
 
 

Player Ratings: Manchester United 0-1 CFR Cluj

A stunning Luis Alberto strike gave CFR Cluj a shock win at Old Trafford with Sir Alex Ferguson's lifeless team with more than one eye on Sunday's derby against Manchester City

By Jack Gaughan at Old Trafford

  • David de Gea
    1
    0
    3.00

    David de Gea

    Made an super stop from an attempted Chris Smalling clearance early in the game and could do nothing about the goal.

  • Phil Jones
    1
    0
    2.50

    Phil Jones

    Defensively, Jones really struggled, which will be worrying for the months ahead. Better on the ball and ought to be moved into midfield.

  • Chris Smalling
    2
    0
    3.00

    Chris Smalling

    The most senior of a youthful back four and despite a shaky opening 15 minutes, played his part.

  • Alexander  Büttner
    2
    0
    2.50

    Alexander Büttner

    Strange performance. Looks to have the ability to eventually succeed Patrice Evra but couldn't cope at times tonight against the lively opponents.

  • Scott  Wootton
    1
    0
    2.50

    Scott Wootton

    Solid when the ball is there to be won in the air and in front of him, but Wootton is susceptible to quick passes beyond him and fails to adjust his positioning quickly enough.

  • Ryan Giggs
    2
    2
    2.50

    Ryan Giggs Flop of the Match

    Lazy in possession, Giggs frequently gave the ball away in midfield and lacked the intensity to spark United into life.

  • Tom Cleverley
    1
    2
    3.00

    Tom Cleverley

    Missed a glorious chance before being substituted which really epitomised Cleverley's problems in front of goal.

  • Nick Powell
    1
    0
    2.50

    Nick Powell

    Pushed out on the left, it was clear Powell was itching to do damage from the middle, but found it tricky given how packed it was in there.

  • Wayne Rooney
    2
    0
    3.00

    Wayne Rooney

    Operated from the right of midfield and provided an extra dimension going forward - a ploy the manager might opt for against Manchester City.

  • Chicharito
    1
    0
    2.50

    Chicharito

    He always needs watching in and around the box, but the visitors' defence had little trouble snuffing out any threat from the Mexican.

  • Danny Welbeck
    3
    0
    3.50

    Danny Welbeck

    The stand-out performer, and did his chances for inclusion on Sunday no harm. Frequently got beyond the Cluj back four and caused problems with his pace and power.

Substitutions

  • Paul Scholes
    1
    0
    2.50

    Paul Scholes

    Tried to provide impetus but gave the ball away for the goal and never managed to enforce his range of passing.

  • Mário Felgueiras
    0
    0
    3.50

    Mário Felgueiras

    Made two superb saves from Welbeck and Rooney in the first half, and continued to deny United with similarly impressive shot-stopping after the break. A real asset for his side.

  • Ivo Pinto
    0
    0
    3.00

    Ivo Pinto

    Didn't look comfortable when Powell ran at him directly, but held his position in what was crucial to Cluj not becoming stretched.

  • Felice Piccolo
    0
    0
    3.00

    Felice Piccolo

    Composed when faced with Welbeck and Rooney and was a threat from corners.

  • Cadu
    0
    0
    3.00

    Cadu

    Good reader of the game and communicated well with his fellow defenders to nullify the attacking threat.

  • Ionut Rada
    0
    0
    3.00

    Ionut Rada

    Defending ensured that Rooney affected the game less than expected. A solid display all round.

  • Gabriel Muresan
    0
    0
    3.00

    Gabriel Muresan

    Every European team not expected to win away from home needs a sitter who uses the ball well, and Muresan proved just that.

  • Rafael Bastos
    0
    0
    3.50

    Rafael Bastos

    His direct running was always a problem, even for Chris Smalling. Kept his side ticking over in midfield.

  • Luis Alberto
    1
    0
    4.00

    Luis Alberto Top of the Match

    Scored a stunning goal, good enough to grace any Champions League game. Otherwise, he was steady in possession and stood up well in midfield.

  • Camora
    0
    0
    2.50

    Camora

    A poor display as he failed to make much of an impact on the game when attacking in the final third.

  • Rui Pedro
    0
    0
    3.00

    Rui Pedro

    An exciting player to watch and always busy around the penalty area without causing many problems.

  • Modou Sougou
    0
    0
    3.50

    Modou Sougou

    Had a super opportunity in the first half but was well blocked by Wootton. Held the ball up well once one up.

Substitutions

  • M. Aguirregaray
    0
    0

    M. Aguirregaray

    A late second-half substitute.

Player Ratings
Tournament
Position
Ranking
Top Scorers
Player   Goals Penalties
Cristiano Ronaldo Cristiano Ronaldo
Striker
Real Madrid CF
12 0
Robert  Lewandowski Robert Lewandowski
Striker
Dortmund
10 1
Thomas Müller Thomas Müller
Striker
FC Bayern München
8 1
Lionel Messi Lionel Messi
Striker
Barcelona
8 0
Burak Yılmaz Burak Yılmaz
Striker
Galatasaray
8 0