Manchester United were unable to make it successive victories in the Champions League as CSKA Moscow held them to a 1-1 draw at the Arena Khimki on a frustrating night for the Premier League side. Seydou Doumbia had put the hosts ahead with an early goal on the rebound after David de Gea's penalty save but Anthony Martial - the man whose handball gave the hosts the spot-kick - popped up with a header in the second half to ensure Louis van Gaal's men made the lengthy trip home with a point in the bag.
CSKA were extremely impressive in an opening period that brought as much frustration to United as they've experienced all season. Leonid Slutsky had his team remarkably well drilled and completely killed the threat of Martial, Herrera and Rooney. The Frenchman, already culpable for the penalty, failed to trouble Fernandes and United oldboy Zoran Tosic down the home side's right flank. Not only were Moscow incredibly compact, they packed a considerable punch on the counter through the electric pace of Ahmed Musa together with Doumbia.
Martial raised his right arm going into a challenge with Mario Fernandes in the 15th minute and the ball struck it, leaving the referee with no option but to point to the spot.
David de Gea saved Roman Eremenko's penalty, but Seydou Doumbia scored the rebound to put CSKA ahead.
Martial's second-half header saved United's blushes, however their manager was disappointed with his star forward for the error that led to the hosts' goal.
"They had the present of an Anthony Martial penalty," Van Gaal said. "Martial is a human being, he reacts and it is a stupid reaction, but sometimes these things happen.
"He said it is the first time it happens to him, if it always happens with me it's a pity."
Although Van Gaal was unhappy with the French teenager for effectively handing the hosts the lead, he was pleased to escape from his trip east with a point.
