Satan is Boring

Good performance yesterday. Controlled, professional, got the result, got Vidic and Ferdinand minutes together and got back, ready for Sunday. Of course every single paper says something along the lines of "the last time Man Utd were in this stadium was a lot more exciting than this," and seem to think it's some sort of fair comment/pithy observation, as if a Champions League isn't quite obviously gonna be more exciting than a group game. It's maybe some journalist thing, "look, I've done research, I know they played the Champions League final here against Chelsea..." Whatever it is, it becomes very boring by the time you read The Sun's report (depending on which order you read them in...), so the churlish nature it probably reads worse than it should:

Then, 50,000 Reds fans took residence in the Luzhniki Stadium to witness a compelling drama against Chelsea in the 2008 Champions League final.

Last night 500 hardy souls witnessed ... well let's just say, don't rush to the shop to get the DVD. ...

while United were very much under par they were still the better team.

With one eye on Sunday's clash with Liverpool and because of a few bumps and bruises Alex Ferguson brought an understrength side to Moscow - and the absentees were notable.

We knew United would never be the same once Cristiano Ronaldo finally moved to Real Madrid.

But take out Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs and any inventiveness is drawn out of the team.

Ferguson always prefers to play one striker and a five-man midfield in Europe. If that one is Rooney then he poses a constant danger to the opposition as he buzzes here and there, linking the play and threatening goal.

Berbatov does not. His header on to set up the goal was one of his few meaningful contribution.

Under par? Or playing within ourselves. Did Neil Custis watch the Besiktas game? When Rooney went off, a little frustrated remember, we scored, not because of the change of personal so much as the change of system, from one to two up front. Similar fashion today. And I like the "What has Berba ever done, apart from setting up the winning goal, what has he ever done..." And let me be pedantic at the bad writing - the link from "understrength side" to Ronaldo leaving implies more than it should. We no longer have Ronaldo and so can't be included in considerations of our strength or otherwise.

All the other reports are pretty similar, except they generally give us credit for a job well done, rather than whining on, while admitting the game wasn't the best, entertainment wise.

The Guardian ain't bad, though still referencing Ronaldo? Really:

Much as they miss Ronaldo, United are coping well enough without him and, courtesy of Valencia's 86th-minute strike, now top Group B boasting a 100% record. With progress to the next phase all but assured, Sir Alex Ferguson is now free to concentrate on Sunday's vital Premier League fixture at Liverpool.

Rather like United as a whole, Valencia improved as the night unravelled and a patient first-half display gave way to a higher-tempo second period. "He's emerging very well," said Ferguson, whose team equalled Ajax's record of 14 straight away games without defeat in Europe. "Valencia's got strength, crossing ability and balance, goal-scoring was his weakness at Wigan but he's now scored a couple in two games. His confidence is growing."

The Mirror loves hindsight:

The manager will have gleaned little from this game, other than reinforcing the fact he possesses a squad of formidable depth which he is able to shuffle without detriment to United's results - unlike his beleaguered rival Rafa Benitez. This win was achieved without the likes of Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Darren Fletcher and Patrice Evra.

United's third straight win also confirmed the belief that progress from Group B was always going to be a procession for them, despite lip service being paid to spirited but modest opponents in the form of CSKA, Besiktas and Wolfsburg.

Yeah, we knew all along that this would be a really easy group. I'd check if I had time, but I seem to remember when the draw was made that Liverpool wouldn't have any problems...

The Times praises Valencia but slightly churlishly criticises Nani:

After a nervous start to life at Old Trafford, Valencia is beginning to assert himself. While he may never scale the heights of Cristiano Ronaldo, he is emerging from the Portuguese’s shadow. He was certainly more effective than Nani on the opposite flank and could prove an important cog in the United wheel this season if he continues to chip in with goals.

Nani’s decision-making remains questionable at best. Rather than pull back the ball for a team-mate in the 49th minute, having found himself unchallenged just outside the six-yard box, he stroked the ball across goal into no man’s land and the opportunity went begging.

Nani did have a diving header from Gary Neville’s cross well saved...

Quotes, Sir Alex on the game and equalling Ajax's record of unbeaten away games:

“We should be proud of equalling the record because it’s not easy away from home in Europe and we have been to some fantastic places over the years.

“It’s all about maturity – there’s a way of playing in Europe away from home. You saw it tonight – we showed good patience, kept good possession.

“I’m very pleased with the ­performance. The surface was never a problem because good players can play on any surface.

“The situation in the group is that we have nine points. I have always maintained we need 10.

“We have a home game against CSKA next, so we have the opportunity to ensure we go through to the next stage. The European Cup is very important to our club. It’s the most important thing. We have a ­consistency in Europe now but we should have more trophies.”

Praise for Fabio:

“Fabio was absolutely outstanding today, the boy’s magnificent for 18 years of age,” he added.

“He’s first-class, he just had some cramp, he’ll be okay."

And for Valencia:

Valencia has been a plus point for the last few weeks,” Ferguson said. “He is emerging very well, settling into the club and his confidence is getting stronger.

“He has tremendous assets for a wide player but the assets he didn’t show at Wigan were his goals, where he would maybe get three or four a season.”

Gary Neville speaks:

"We couldn't ask for more - nine points from three games is great," said Neville.

"It was a good professional performance.

"Nani and Fabio in the first half did well and then Antonio Valencia caused them problems after the break.

"He is strong and quick and an old fashioned winger who puts crosses in and is a constant threat to defenders.

"We controlled the tempo of the match and we were the only team trying to win it in the last 20 minutes.

"They seemed content with the draw. But we sent Michael Owen on to make it two up front to try to win it. I was a bit concerned after training on the pitch but it ended up being okay."