Defender Phil Jones’ second-half winner brought David Moyes some blessed relief and ensured Manchester United’s tortuous week ended with a measure of consolation.
Despite their dismal Premier League form this season United at least have the knowledge they will be guaranteed a seeding for the Champions League knockout round draw.
Jones’ goal was enough to see off a dangerous Shakhtar Donetsk outfit, who had more shots than their hosts, on and off target.
A scrappy, stuttering and, at times, unconvincing performance will not be enough to silence United’s critics – in his half-time analysis on television former captain Roy Keane declared Ashley Young to be not good enough to play for his former club.
However, in what has become a miserable debut campaign on the domestic front, Moyes at least has a European tie to look forward to next spring, with many of the tournament heavyweights being avoided when the last 16 draw is made next Monday courtesy of the Premier League champions finishing top of Group A unbeaten. A reminder Jones’ only other European goal came against Basle two years ago in a game where United exited the competition at the group stage should at least check those who have conveniently forgotten life under Sir Alex Ferguson was not always straightforward.
When Jones surged on to Rafael’s return pass and brought a close-range save out of Andriy Pyatov it did seem United were in the mood to at least maintain their impressive European form.
Taison’s through-ball presented Alex Teixeira with a clear run at goal and his flick rolled narrowly wide of the far post.
Though Adnan Januzaj did bring a decent save out of Pyatov, it was the start of an extended period of Shakhtar pressure, in which United, clearly lacking in confidence, struggled to string more than a couple of passes together. Van Persie’s introduction brought added potency to the home attack and the Dutchman was a key figure in their opener, albeit by taking the corner Jones lashed home.
The relief that rippled round the stadium as Jones’ volley hit the net was palpable and while Shakhtar did try to respond, they were the ones who lacked conviction as Bayer Leverkusen’s win away to Real Sociedad dumped them into the Europa League.