CSKA Moscow vs Manchester United; 5 Talking Points

#2. Viktor Goncharenko right to trust in the CSKA Academy, but he needs to shore up his defense

CSKA need to find the right blend of experience and youth.

Konstantin Kuchaev, 19, was the one who scored the goal. Another 19-year-old Fyodor Chalov led the line admirably for the majority of the match, keeping Messrs. Smalling, Bailly and Lindelof on their toes and forcing De Gea into one particularly stunning save. Behind them, pulling the strings was assist maker 21 year old Aleksandr Golovin.

All three also happen to be graduates of the CSKA Academy.

They, along with a bunch of talented youngsters, is a major reason why CSKA did not buy anyone this summer - the only side in the Russian Premier League to not do so - and the attacking fluency of his side justified Viktor Goncharenko's decision to trust in youth, and in his club's academy.

But it is further back that this decision has failed him.

Vasili Berezutsky at 35 (his twin brother was also on the bench), and Sergei Ignasevich at 38 never really stood a chance against the pace and power of Romelu Lukaku and Anthony Martial, and CSKA could really do with some youth - and some much-needed pace - coming in at the centre of defence. They certainly need to spend a bit back there if they are to hope to become anything more than the makeweights that they usually are on the continental stage.

Meanwhile, Goncharenko's decision to go with a central midfield trio of Alan Dzagoev, Golovin and Pontus Wernbloom meant Wernbloom was left all by his lonesome to protect the area of the park Manchester United are strongest in.

CSKA never really stood a chance.