Robin Van Persie scored both goals in a 2-1 win over Romanian side CFR Cluj in the Champions League.
Wayne Rooney, playing in a much deeper role than usual, combined brilliantly with the Dutchman, as United fought back from a goal down to avoid a shocking upset. Pantelis Kapetanos opened the scoring for Cluj, before Van Persie's double gave all three points for the English Premier League club.
"We all deserve to be the man of the match," said Van Persie, who has now scored seven goals in eight games for his new side. "We played really well; Rooney played very well, he gave me two excellent assists and it is really good that he is back.
"We passed it well, but at some times it was very tough, because CFR have a very good team. We knew that they tried to pass and to move. Finally, we are happy with the result and with the way we played.
Van Persie said scoring the second goal early in the second half, titled the balance of the game towards United. "I couldn't say why we won. 'Because we scored one goal more', would be the easiest answer.
"But more importantly was to score a goal at a vital moment. We scored the second goal early in the second half and this changed the whole game.
"Afterwards we could keep the ball and wait for the counterattacks. I think that it is always important to score early (in the second half) and if you do that, you are then in the control of the game. That is what happened today."
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hailed his side's attacking endeavor. "The pass and the finish (for the second goal) were equally good," he said. "It was a fantastic finish but it was a nice ball that Wayne dropped in.
"I actually thought it was a bit too far but Robin did well to get on to it. There are great combinations all over our side, the strength of our squad is in our attacking positions.
"You could see how Cluj kept going at the end. They were excellent at crossing the ball and kept the pressure up. There were one or two chances where we could have done better but I thought the concentration was good.
"Apart from the goal we defended very well and David (De Gea) made a great save at the end so I have to be happy with the win. Coming away from home is never easy and they have a good record here."
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