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David Moyes: needs a big win in Ukraine. Jon Super/AP/Press Association Images

As it happened: Shakhtar v Manchester United, Champions League Wednesday

It was another eventful evening of top European football. We went minute-by-minute.

Manchester United were in Ukraine while noisy neighbours City hosted Bayern Munich on a busy night of Champions League action. Join the conversation in the usual ways; email murray@thescore.ie, find us on Facebook, tweet @thescore_ie or comment below.

Shakhtar 1-1 Man Utd

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Letโ€™s do this. United are in Ukraine for an intriguing Champions League showdown.

Hereโ€™s the starting XI, David Moyes has selected, Rooney is said to be ill:

De Gea, Rafael, Smalling, Vidic, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Fellaini, Cleverley, Welbeck; van Persie.

Letโ€™s have those predictionsโ€ฆ

Shaktar have named their starting team, and as expected there is a strong Brazilian influence:

Pyatov, Srna, Kucher, Rakitskiy, Shevchuk, Fernando, Hubschman, Douglas Costa, Teixeira, Taison, Adriano.

What do you make of that XI? Do they have the players to beat United?

And to give them their due credit, here are the two benches:

United โ€“ Lindegaard, Jones, Giggs, Nani, Young, Kagawa, Hernandez.

Shaktar โ€“ Kanibolotskiy, Krivtsov, Stepanenko, Bernard, Ilsinho, Eduardo, Ferreira.

United with plenty of potential game-changers in reserve, could they be the difference at the Donbass Arena?

Hereโ€™s how the team sheet looks in the actual Donetsk programme:

Credit to Conor McNamara for tweeting this one.

David Moyes confirms that Wayne Rooney picked up a shin injury in the build-up to this game, explaining his absence from the squad.

The United boss says that Rooney would have been on the bench anyway, playing down the loss of the England attacker.

Itโ€™s a fairly attacking-minded selection from Moyes regardless of Rooneyโ€™s absence, with van Persie, Valencia, Fellaini, Cleverley and Welbeck all starting.

Could be plenty of goals in this one. Over on Sky Sports, Dwight Yorke says the pressure is on Marouane Fellaini to deliver in Ukraine.

Conditions inside the Donbass Arena are described as โ€œblusteryโ€. There is a bit of rain in Ukraine at the moment, but it is very light.

The teams are out on the pitch for the usual pre-match Champions League anthem. And as usual, the players look completely unaffected by it. Lots of noise inside the stadium though.

Mircea Lucescu is the man plotting Unitedโ€™s downfall tonight. Heโ€™s the longest serving manager in Ukraine after joining Shaktar in May 2004.

And weโ€™re underway. United are in their change strip of white, with Shakthar in orange and black stripes.

Both side struggling to hang on to possession in the first few minutes.

United have the first corner of the game but van Persieโ€™s delivery doesnโ€™t clear the first manโ€ฆ

Fellaini gives away a free-kick just inside the Shakthar half, looks eager to get stuck in tonight.

GOAL!!! Frank Ribery has scored for Bayern Munich against Man City. Joe Hart beaten at his near post. 1-0 to Bayern after 7 minutes.

Back in the Ukraine, van Persie comes close to getting on the end of some good work by Antonia Valencia.

An encouraging opening 7 minutes from United at the Donbass Arena. Rafael just had a run at the Shakthar defence from the right.

First real chance of the game for van Persie! Cleverly lofted a clever pass forward and after taking it down with one touch, the Dutch striker shot just over the crossbar.

United have gradually taken control of the ball so far and Lucescu looks frustrated on the Shakthar bench.

Dario Srna whips a cross in from the right, but no one attacks it for Shakthar. A first show of life from the Ukrainians.

United with a throw-in deep on the right but Fellaini loses possession cheaply and Shakthar very nearly create a counter-attacking chance.

GOAL for PSG against Benfica and itโ€™s that man Zlatan! He taps in from two yards out to put the Parisians 1-0 up.

Shakthar are turning on the heat now! Douglas Costa threatens down the right and Shakthar win a corner, appeals for a penalty there but nothing in it.

Hereโ€™s the Ribery goal for Bayern against Man City:

Shakthar have come right back into this game. Their pacy dribblers like Teixeira and Taison look dangerous.

Welbeck is unfortunate as the ball bobbles off a Shakthar defender just inside the home teamโ€™s box. Could have rebounded anywhere.

Cleverley attempts to loft another angled pass in to van Persie, but he overhits it and the ball goes out for a Shakthar kick-out.

GOAL!!!!! Danny Welbeck scores for United!!

Fellaini went past his man on the right-hand side and crossed low for the England international to tuck home a chance he couldnโ€™t miss.

David Moyes is unmoved by that goal. Takes a couple of notes and stares back at the action.

GOAL!!! Real Madrid go 1-0 up against Copenhagen. Itโ€™s Cristiano Ronaldo who scores, who else?

Shakthar looking to bounce back immediately. They win a corner after raiding down the left. Srna and Teixeira both have long-range efforts from the resulting set-piece, but neither is on target.

There was a defensive error involved in Unitedโ€™s goal, with Shakthar defender Kucher  slipping as he attempted to intercept Fellainiโ€™s cross.

Srna wins a free-kick and loses a boot as Patrice Evra pulls him back out on the right.

Dangerous position here for Unitedโ€ฆ

Cleared away by Moyesโ€™ men for an attacking corner, which is completely wasted. United starting to sit back a little since their goal.

More attacking play involving Srna, as he overlaps to take a pass from Douglas Costa. His cross from the byline is woeful though, flying into the crowd.

30 mins gone and United are still 1-0 up. Shakthar have enjoyed the better of the last few minutes though.

Hereโ€™s the Danny Welbeck goal that gave United the lead in the 18th minute:

Shakthar continue to focus their attack down the right-hand side, with Srna particularly prominent. United do look comfortable, but they havenโ€™t seen too much of the ball since Welbeckโ€™s goal.

Dangerous free-kick for Shakthar just to the right of Unitedโ€™s penalty area, but Douglas Costaโ€™s delivery lets the Ukrainians down. Cleverley gets it away.

GOAL!!! for Galatasary against Juventus. Didier Drogba is the man to put the finishing touch to the move and the Turkish side lead 1-0.

United win a corner and Chris Smalling comes close to getting a head on van Persieโ€™s cross, but Shakthar scramble it awayโ€ฆ

โ€ฆ and Shakthar go straight on the counter. It ends with Teixeira getting Shaktharโ€™s first shot on target. It lacks power and de Gea gets behind it with ease, but warning served.

Moyesโ€™ side seem happy to sit back and let Shakthar attack. Two strong lines of defence as they keep Shakthar at bay.

Hereโ€™s the Didier Drogbaโ€™s goal that gave Galatasary the lead against Juventus. Bit of a howler from the โ€˜keeper:

Back at the Donbass Arena, itโ€™s still all Shakthar in terms of possession. They are struggling to find openings in the United defence though.

Costa beats Evra and another crossing chance is created for Srna, but again he fails to get it past the first defender.

HALF TIME. Thatโ€™s if for the first half as United go in 1-0 up thanks to Danny Welbeckโ€™s 18th minute strike.

So how confident are the United fans out there? Shakthar with lots of possession but Lucescuโ€™s men havenโ€™t looked like scoring in truth. Should Moyes ask his side to look for more goals and kill the tie off after the break? Or would they be better off to continue the tactic of shutting up shop at the back?

This Arsenal fan from Kenya isnโ€™t finding Unitedโ€™s performance tonight too exciting. Do you agree that itโ€™s a dull game or is Unitedโ€™s defensive solidity good to watch?

Dwight Yorkeโ€™s half time opinon is that United need to push up the pitch and start attacking more. Is he right?

This United fan is content with what heโ€™s seen so far. Encourages Moyesโ€™s men to keep it solid in the second half rather than push for a winner:

Hereโ€™s a graphic of exactly how United created the Welbeck goal. One of those little red circles is Fellaini, whose pass set the England striker up.

Embedded image permalink

The photo comes from Squawka Football on Twitter.

Weโ€™re back underway at the Donbass Arena as Shakthar kick-off.

Shakhtar have never lost to English opposition on home soil in the Champions League. Is this going to be the first time?

Vidic calmly steps in to intercept as Shakthar attempt to release the so-far anonymous Adriano through the middle.

Srna swings in a low cross from deep on the right that nearly falls for Teixeira, but de Gea gathers and launches the ball forward.

Shakthar have a free-kick from around 25 metres out, and Rakitskiy has an effort with his powerful boot. It looks threatening but fades away to de Geaโ€™s left and wide.

50 minutes gone in Ukraine and United continue to sit deep. Surely this is a dangerous tactic with just a one-goal lead.

And thereโ€™s a real chance for Shakthar! Shevchuk attacks down the left and swings a low cross to the near post. De Gea dives bravely though and gathers. Gets a kick in the ribs for his troubleโ€ฆ

United just canโ€™t keep possession in this game, or even move play into the Shakthar half for extended periods of time.

More excellent defending from Vidic, who shuts down Adriano in the United box after another Shakthar thrust down the left.

Vidic has been really good for the away side so far. So calm, so composed, so decisive when he gets involved. United will hope he keeps it up for another 25 minutes or so.

GOAL!!! for Bayern Munich against Man City. Thomas Mรผller scores from inside the box with his left foot. 2-0 to Bayern now and City are in trouble.

Thereโ€™s been another GOAL in Manchester and City now trail 3-0 against Bayern. Robben gets the German sideโ€™s third after beating Hart at the near post again.

United finally enjoying some time on the ball at the Donbass Arena. Vidic attempts to play a long ball into van Persie but Shakthar clear.

Yellow card for Fellaini as he pulls back Taison. That card was coming, at least four free-kicks conceded by the Belgian tonight.

Yet another attacking foray for Shevchuk as Shakthar find some space in behind United. His cross is poor though.

Yellow card for Vidic, who fouls Douglas Costa just outside the United box. The little Brazilian is a tricky customer. Free-kickโ€ฆ

โ€ฆ but Srna wastes a good chance by hammering his effort straight into Unitedโ€™s wall.

Hereโ€™s the Mรผller goal for Bayern back in Manchester. Thatโ€™s a poor offside line from Cityโ€ฆ

66 mins. Fellaini is subbed off with Ryan Giggs on in his place.

Fellaini was largely ineffectual apart from his contribution to the Welbeck goal. Unitedโ€™s failure to keep possession meant the big Belgian got few chances.

This is Ryan Giggsโ€™ 145th European Cup appearance for United, meaning he has overtaken former Real Madrid legend Raul.

Chance for van Persie! United work the ball down the right through the surging Rafael, who plays it inside. Van Persie just hesitates slightly and Rakitskiy gets a block in.

This is the Arjen Robben goal that gave Bayern a 3-0 lead against City.

Shakthar back on the attack but Carrick intercepts and wins an intelligent free-kick. Good composure.

73 minutes gone at the Donbass Arena, and Shakthar are considering changes in attack. Lots of movement from their bench. Can United continue to hold the Ukrainians at bay?

GOAL!!!!!! Taison scores for Shakthar!!!

73 mins That was coming. Rakitskiy crosses from the left, Vidic fails to clear and Taison slams it home from close-range, high into de Geaโ€™s net. 1-1.

That should have read 77 minutes for the time on the goal. Fully deserved for Shakthar after all their attacking ambition.

How do United play this now? Continue to sit back and hope for a draw, or make changes and look for a winner? Big decision for Moyes.

Suddenly thereโ€™s a real sense of pressure on United. They need calm heads in the closing 10 minutes.

Some of the Shakthar fans are already celebrating as if their side has won the game, tops off and bouncing in the stands. Ilsinho, another Brazilian, is getting ready to come on.

Hereโ€™s the equalizing goal from Taison. Should Vidic have done better?

Rafael clatters into Shevchuck and gives away a free-kick. Ilsinho is on the pitch in place of Fernando. 84 minutes gone.

And itโ€™s still Shakthar who are dominating possession, the story of the game.

Ooooh! Nearly another goal for Shakthar. Taisonโ€™s shot deflects and nearly surprises de Gea, but the Spaniard touches it over.

A bit of panic in the United ranks from the resulting corner, but again de Gea recovers to pump the ball clear.

Now itโ€™s Unitedโ€™s turn to threaten. Rafael swings over a cross from the right, but Shakthar โ€˜keeper Pyatov claims it easily and uncontested.

88 minutes and Shakthar look the more likely side to score. Vidic heads it away and van Persie chases a long pass from Carrick. It comes to nothing though.

Facundo Ferreyra is on for Shakthar as van Persie wins a corner for United.

The Holland international has to wait to take it though, with lots of pushing in the box. Pyatov punches clear when van Persie does cross. Is that Unitedโ€™s last chance gone?

Two minutes of time added on.

Shakthar finally seem content with the draw and keep the ball at the back.

Full Time. Itโ€™s all over at the Donbass Arena and itโ€™s finished 1-1. David Moyes would probably have taken this result before the game.

So, was that a good point for Moyes or a worrying display by United? They decided to sit back after Danny Welbeckโ€™s goal in the 18th-minute, but would they have been better served to keep attacking?

Probably a fair result on immediate reflection. United were largely solid at the back, but Shakthar kept trying to find an opening and eventually got their equalizer.

Watch some of Alex Fergusonโ€™s interview with Charlie Rose

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64 Comments
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    Mute Trevor Beacom
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    Mar 27th 2019, 3:34 PM

    Two valtras I hope he asked for

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    Mute Limรณn Madrugada
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    Mar 27th 2019, 3:40 PM

    @Trevor Beacom: gonna be a CNH tractor , same owners as Juve ..

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    Mute Adrian Harpur
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    Mar 27th 2019, 4:12 PM

    @Limรณn Madrugada: A couple of New Hollands no doubt

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    Mute Ronan McDermott
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    Mar 27th 2019, 4:24 PM

    Massey is classy but the zetor be better

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    Mute John Ezekiel W. Minnock
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    Mar 27th 2019, 11:50 PM

    @Ronan McDermott: but Mossy Kean is f*ckin mean

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    Mute Ronan McDermott
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    Mar 28th 2019, 3:11 AM

    @John Ezekiel W. Minnock: haha

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    Mute ThatLJD
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    Mar 27th 2019, 5:17 PM

    Lot of lads playing junior b are very upset reading thisโ€ฆ Especially since couldโ€™ve been them

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