Champions League Group A, Old Trafford – Manchester United 3 (Fellaini 35, Lukaku 53, Rashford 84) FC Basel 0.
After 658 days out of the competition, Manchester United eased to a comfortable win over a limited Basel side to get their Champions League campaign off to a decent start. Harder challenges lie ahead, and the hamstring injury suffered by Paul Pogba is inconvenient, but they will be happy with their night’s work nonetheless.
United created a number of presentable chances in the first half, Henrikh Mkhitaryan missing one fine opening and one remarkably easy one, but they eventually took the lead on 35 minutes when Marouane Fellaini, on for Pogba who seemed to pull a hamstring, headed home from close range.
Basel actually started the second half the stronger, but on 53 minutes, Daley Blind curled in a cross following a short corner, and Romelu Lukaku did the rest, marking his competition debut with a goal. United relaxed thereafter, before, six minutes from time, Marcus Rashford, another sub, scored his obligatory debut goal; he has now bothered the onion bag in his first Champions League, Europa League, Premier League, League Cup and international appearances.
TALKING POINT
How can United defend better? Though United have conceded just once in five matches this season, they have not looked entirely secure at the back. Just before they scored, Basel missed a good chance and created two or three others too; and they were a team not especially committed to attack. Mourinho will doubtless be aware of this – it is just surprising he has not resolved the matter already, though the numbers might suggest to the contrary.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United) Made light of Paul Pogba's absence, and there can be few higher compliments. Scored one goal, made another, and generally bossed the midfield.
PLAYER RATINGS
Manchester United: De Gea 6, Young 7, Lindelof 6, Smalling 6, Blind 6, Matic 6, Pogba 6, Mkhitaryan 7, Mata 5, Lukaku 6, Martial 7. Subs: Fellaini 8, Lingard 6, Rashford 7.
Basel: Vaclik 7, Akanji 6, Suchy 6, Balanta 6, Lang 5, Xhaka 5, Zuffi 5, Riveros 5, Steffen 5, Van wolfswinkel 5, Elyounoussi 6. Subs: Bua 5, Oberlin 6.
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