Manchester United 1- 0 CSKA Moscow: Van Gaal's Post match talk plus calls Smalling Mike

A 79th minute Wayne Rooney header was all United needed to win the match and take control of the group.

While the United's goal scoring drought was finally broken, it was a match that showed the true reflection of the United team and Van Gaal's tactics.

Here are the thoughts Van Gaal after the match.

Substituting Martial for Fellaini, making a room for Rooney as United's main striker, a move that didn't go down well with the United fans. Here's what the Dutch gaffer had to say when asked if he heard the crowd's reaction.

"Of course, I am not deaf. "That is the opinion of the fans. Afterwards they shall not be disappointed by the decision of the manager.
"I'm very happy because I put him again in the striker's position and he scored."

The manger also praised the performance of all his players, claiming they all have his backing:
"I back all my players, not only Wayne Rooney. Wayne Rooney is always centre of attention, I have to answer always about Wayne Rooney and now again.
"Wayne is Wayne, he shall always contribute in a game.
"It was a fantastic goal. The tackle of Marcos Rojo was fantastic, the pass of Michael Carrick and the cutback of Jesse Lingard. Then the header of Rooney.
"It was fantastic. I'm very happy about the performance of my players, also about the result and also the fact we are top of the group."

Van Gaal again called Cris Smalling, Mike after the game.
The united defender and De Gea were instrumental for united in defence after they both denied CSKA substitute striker Seydou Doumbia a goal, seconds before Rooney scored the match winner.

“If Doumbia scores, it is another game because that was just before our goal,  that was their only attack, but then David De Gea saved us and Michael Smalling also saved us."

Van Gaal was also happy to set the record straight as United had never beaten any Russian opposition at Old Trafford in three attempts.

"I am relieved, but also very proud of my players. In the golden years or Manchester United, they never beat a Russian team at home. It is not easy, but it is never easy for any club in the Champions League.”