United's starting XI had something of an unusual look about it. The squad is currently hit by a number of injuries - notably centre-back pairing Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic - whilst the likes of Patrice Evra and new father Wayne Rooney were rested to the substitute's bench.

The visitors, desperate for a shock win to boost their own qualification hopes, broke the deadlock in fantastic fashion on 25 minutes. United's defence were caught napping and Alan Dzagoev burst through the backline towards goal. It looked as if the player had run too far, before he unleashed a tremendous finish from the acutest of angles to leave Edwin van der Sar looking stunned.

United hit back almost immediately, however. Michael Owen had already missed a couple of decent chances, but made no mistake with a cool finish on 29 minutes. Antonio Valencia's cross rocketed off Nani and into the path of the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle frontman. He was just onside, and beat the impressive Igor Akinfeev with a typically cool finish.

Old Trafford celebrated and the more complacent fans would have expected Sir Alex's men to go on from there and pick up at least the point they needed to ensure qualification. However, CSKA were ahead again just two minutes later. Milos Krasic charged into the penalty box, rounded VDS and turned on a sixpence before unleashing his finish into the top of United's net.

The Reds' defending needed to improve - but more slack marking allowed the Russian visitors to open up a two-goal cushion shortly after the re-start. Vasili Berezutski was left free to nod home a CSKA free-kick and the travelling contingent found themselves in dreamland.

It looked like being one of those days for United when Darren Fletcher was denied a stone wall penalty soon after CSKA's third. Referee Olegario Benquerenca inexplicably booked the Scotsman for diving after he was hacked to the ground by Aleksei Berezutski. Everyone inside the stadium thought it was a penalty, except the Portuguese official!

More frustration followed as Russian stopper Akinfeev, previously linked with a move to OT, pulled off a string of stunning saves to deny United and leave our four-year unbeaten home record in the competition in doubt.

However, late drama was to follow. The introduction of Wayne Rooney spurred on United and with six minutes to go Paul Scholes nodded home Gary Neville's cross. The equaliser followed in injury-time - Valencia's long-range punt taking a cruel deflection on its way into the net, allowing the United faithful on the terraces to celebrate a trademark comeback and safe passage to Europe's last sixteen.

United have qualified with two games to spare - and can now look forward to Sunday's massive Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge.

Full Time - Manchester United 3-3 CSKA Moscow
Attendance - 73.718

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