United clinch top spot as Jones relieves pressure on Moyes

 

Phil Jones lifted some pressure off boss David Moyes as Manchester United sealed top spot in Group A with a narrow 1-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.

The versatile defender was the unlikely hero as he fired in a well-controlled effort 22 minutes from time after a right-wing corner was diverted into his path.
The visitors had started brightly and could have avoided their exit from the competition if they had taken one of their early chances, but Alex Teixeira and Fred both wasted good openings.
At the other end Ashley Young was equally as guilty as he spurned two gilt-edged opportunities before United stepped it up a gear after the break.
Wayne Rooney went close with a delightful chip and substitute Robin Van Persie saw a dinked effort drop just wide of the post as the hosts threatened sporadically.
The result means the Red Devils avoid a third straight home loss and leaves the Miners facing up to life in the Europa League after Bayer Leverkusen's triumph at Real Sociedad saw them take the runners-up spot.

KEY MOMENTS
PRE-MATCH: SIX CHANGES, VAN PERSIE ON THE BENCH - David Moyes made six changes to the side that lost 1-0 to Newcastle with Wayne Rooney returning from suspension to lead the line. Adnan Januzaj was selected to make his Champions League bow.
12' - SHAKHTAR CHANCE: Alex Teixeira rampages into space in the left-hand channel and drags a shot just past the far post. It should be 1-0 to the visitors.
34' - WHAT A MISS: Fred wastes a glorious chance with a woeful miscue from 12 yards out after Teixeira robbed Ferdinand on the left and raced at goal before cutting it back into the midfielder's path.
37' - JUST WIDE: Ashley Young gets in behind the Shakhtar defence but sends his lob inches past the post.
43' - WASTEFUL: Rooney puts it on a plate for Young who takes a touch and lashes well wide of the near post. Poor, poor play by the winger.
47' - WOODWORK: United fail to clear a left-wing corner and Yaroslav Rakitskiy sees his deflected effort clip the far post.
68' - GOAL: Man United 1-0 Shakhtar. Phil Jones smashes home the opener after a corner from the right was diverted into his path.