United come from behind to win

Manchester United were again forced to do it the hard way before Robin van Persie's double handed them a 2-1 Champions League win over Cluj.

Named in the same team as Van Persie for the first time, Wayne Rooney created both.

And the winner, four minutes after the break was simply sensational as the 29-year-old took his tally to six for his new club.

The result means back-to-back wins over Braga will take United into the last 16 with two games to spare. However, Sir Alex Ferguson cannot be entirely happy with this trip to Transylvania, and was left spitting blood as his team fell behind for the sixth time in nine games.

Rafael Bastos swept a superb pass out wide to Modou Sougou, who exposed Patrice Evra's defensive frailties, then whipped in a low cross which Kapetanos finished in fine style. Speaking to ITV before the second half began, Ferguson branded it "an absolute shocker".

Following a nervy spell after the break, good fortune came in the departure of Sougou through an injury that cost Cluj much of their attacking zest. And within five minutes, United had taken advantage.

When Rooney floated over a free-kick from the left, United enjoyed their second slice of luck.

Had Van Persie made a firm contact with his header, Mario Felgueiras might well have saved. But instead, the Cluj keeper was committed when the ball looped off Van Persie's shoulder and was helpless to prevent it dropping over him into the net.

It was the former Arsenal man's 19th goal in 49 Champions League appearances. His 20th arrived four minutes after the re-start. Again Rooney was the provider. On this occasion the delivery came from the right.

Stationed in a central position about eight yards out, Van Persie watched the ball drop, then steered it into the bottom corner with a delicate touch of his left foot.