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Manchester - Wayne Rooney's goal saw Manchester United re-assert themselves in Europe in mid-week but anything less than a comfortable win over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday will leave Louis van Gaal facing fresh questions.
Rooney's late goal against CSKA Moscow, which lifted him level with Denis Law as United's second-highest ever goalscorer, took van Gaal's side to the top of Group B in the Champions League.
Rooney's header - his 237th United goal - avoided a fourth successive goalless draw for the first time in the club's history.
It also papered over a few cracks United manager Van Gaal must hope won't be re-opened against West Brom at Old Trafford in United's final Premier League game before the international break.
United played positively against the Russian league leaders but still lacked a genuine cutting edge, through either pace or guile, and the impatience of the supporters will be again be evident if the goals don't flow against Tony Pulis' defence-minded team.
United have failed to score in three of their last four Premier League games and van Gaal admits that getting his philosophy for winning football to work on a consistent basis is proving a challenge.
"We try to do that but I think the rhythm of the game in the Premier League is more difficult to develop and you can see it every week, not only with Manchester United but the other teams," the Dutch manager said.
"Everyone can win or lose against each other.
"Maybe it is more difficult in the Premier League, I don't know, but we are trying to do that. We, not only the players, but the manager and his staff.
"I think we are improving every day and you can see that in the results we have made."
