A self-confessed football nut provides a unique, discerning perspective on what’s going on in the beautiful game.

The first 45 minutes between CSKA Moscow and Manchester United was an insult to the legend that is the Luzhniki stadium. Less than two years ago, it was the scene of United’s dramatic (with the Red Devils, when is it not so?) European Cup triumph over a tearful John Terry and company. Now, it will have to settle for being the place where the Sir Alex Ferguson’s men equalled Ajax Amsterdam’s record of 14 away matches without defeat in Europe.

It was actually a typical United performance away from Old Trafford. It took them an entire half to get accustomed to the 4-5-1 setup that Fergie insists on using during their European excursions. He will continue to stick by it as he said, ‘There is a way of playing in Europe, you saw it tonight.’ That means it’s only worth watching United in the second half during UEFA Champions League games.

Gary Neville’s speculative left-foot effort, which grazed the top of the crossbar, was the closest that the English champions came to getting on the scoreboard before the break. Everyone was surprised by this attempt, even Neville himself, who realised that his left foot is better than Nani’s.

All credit to the very poor man’s Ronaldo though. Nani was a constant threat throughout the game, to the CSKA defenders and his own team as well. With the 22-year-old, you’re not sure whether he’ll put in a decent cross into the box, which he is capable of, or if he gives the ball away, which he is just as fond of.

He could have learnt a thing or two (maybe three) in the art of wing play from the man next to him but in a different jersey. He goes by the name of Milos Krasic and he specialises in Andrei Kanchelskis imitations as he darts past defenders and puts in dangerous balls into the box. Nemanja Vidic was close to tears by the end of the game because his Serbian teammate gave him a real hard time as he swerved in, out and around the United backline. Not the present he was looking for on his 28th birthday.

Krasic would tell him that it was for his own good as they might be wearing the same red jersey (I don’t mean Serbia) soon. Vidic should be more worried about his place in the side for the crunch match at Anfield this Sunday. He has been shaky and inconsistent this season and one wonders whether speculation linking him with a move to Spain has affected him, just as it has with Javier Mascherano.

Young Fabio da Silva was a livewire down the left flank and linked up well with Nani. United’s main threat going forward were orchestrated by them as they seemed to adapt to the artificial surface far better than their teammates. Fabio’s tireless work ethic and bursting forward runs showcased that he’s identical to his brother Rafael in more than just looks. The twins are well on their way to sealing the full-back spots at United for many years to come. It’s only a matter of time before someone comes up with a flag that reads, ‘da Silvas > Nevilles’.

Paul Scholes had a tough time asserting himself in the centre of the park and it was no surprise and to the great relief of United fans the world over that Fergie chose to revert back to the tried-and-trusted 4-4-2 system when Michael Owen came on. He was probably worried by the lack of quality showed by his side in the final third.

Dimitar Berbatov was clearly not enjoying his lone role up front, which only served to highlight just how important Wayne Rooney has become to the team. It really is a thankless, horrible task being isolated up front. He is not the kind of striker who bullies centre-halfs or runs the channels so the service to him needs to be spot on from the midfield. You could tell what he thought of this by the number of times he was gesturing and complaining during the match.

The goal itself was an outstanding strike from Antonio Valencia, who caught Igor Akinfeev cold at a tight angle. It was textbook stuff from Fergie’s men; cross from the wing, flick from the centre forward and finish from the winger drifting in from his flank. If memory serves me correctly, some guy called Cristiano Ronaldo used to score loads of goals this way.

On a bizarre note, the post-match meals for United players (specially flown in from Manchester!) were destroyed by Russian customs officials. Fergie could not celebrate his first victory over Russian opposition on their soil with a nutritious meal as, apparently, the officials were offended at this slight to its local cuisine. What they didn’t mention was that a cheque had just arrived at their office. It was sent by Rafa Benitez.