Manchester United 3-3 CSKA Moscow

Only one thing to say: terrible, terrible defending! Granted Sir Alex plays a second string team, maybe looking ahead this weekend's fixture? But we have Johnny Evans and Wes Brown in central defense, both fairly established in their positions. The full back positions are filled by Gary Neville and Fabio.

Darren Fletcher is back from injury and is partnering Paul Scholes in the middle of the field. Nani and Antonio Valencia are given a chance to prove themselves again on the wings, while Michael Owen and Federico Macheda lead the attack. Edwin van der Sar is trusted to guard the posts.

Three goals scored in 6 minutes in the first half, with the visiting side strike first through their 19 year old forward. Owen managed to equalize 4 minutes later, but the restart brought the Russians ahead for the second time. United definitely didn't play their best and deserved to be trailing.

[Frustration at the defense after going 3-1 down]

The second half barely started and United were down by 2 goals, something that doesn't happen often at Old Trafford. United's play started to improve, controlling more possession and creating chances. When United was gaining momentum, Fletcher was booked for a dive after being clearly fouled inside the penalty box. Stretford End couldn't believe what they saw right in front of them. It couldn't have been a clearer penalty!

It was 3 goals in 6 minutes in the first half, now it's 2 inside the last 6 in the end of the second half. Scholes headed home Neville's perfect free-kick and took the ball back right away to make sure they restart the game quickly, while United have their momentum.

[Valencia shoots to equalize]

Like a classic United comeback story, a stroke of luck right at the end of the game had the home time back in level terms. Valencia's powerful strike took a heavy deflection and found its way to the back of the net. The match ended 3-3, and it is debatable whether or not we deserve the point. While we played terribly in the first half and had a slow start in the second half, United controlled the match from then on, pressuring a shaky Moscow defense.

[After an impressive display, Akinfeev was stunned to be beaten a third time]

To be fair, if it wasn't for their goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, United would have won the match, with some margin. From the two Champions League meetings between the clubs, Akinfeev has been impressive. Wouldn't mind seeing him in United's jersey in the future! Especially when both our backup goalkeepers still look shaky and it's unlikely that van der Sar would stay more than a couple of years.