Manchester United were good value for their 3-0 win over FC Basel. Though there was nothing flashy or stand out on the night, it was still job well done from Mourinho’s men.
Paul Pogba, United’s captain on the night limped off after 19 minutes from a hamstring injury, replaced by Marouane Fellaini, who did well to score a goal and have a good impact on the game. Fellaini headed United in front after 35 minutes, virtue of a neat piece of skill and cross down the right by Ashley Young. Romelu Lukaku’s Manchester United career seems to have taken off, as he scored his 6th goal of the season after heading in a Daley Blind cross in the 53rd minute. Substitute Marcus Rashford ensured the security of three points after he prodded home from close range following some neat work by Lukaku and Fellaini in the 84th minute.
Let us have a look at 5some of the major talking points from Man Utd’s victory over FC Basel:
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Marouane Fellaini – Manchester United’s secret weapon
For a player who has been a scapegoat for United’s downfall post Sir Alex, the confidence and trust shown by Mourinho in him is a low-blow to his doubters. Time and again, Fellaini has proven that he can be United’s go-to-man when needed the most. Once again, he was given the opportunity to take centre stage and didn’t he do well?
It is indeed true, Marouane on his day is unplayable.
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What next for Pogboom?
All the victory celebrations aside, the major talking point of the game was the injury to Paul Pogba. After 17 minutes of Champions League football; Paul stretched his left hamstring, leaving the fans in a state of disarray.
He is United’s main man in that central midfield, and while Fellaini did a good job in his place, Paul’s absence will be felt. The extent of the injury is still to be seen, but it certainly has come at a wrong time for Manchester United.
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The so called ‘fringe’ players impress
All eyes were on Victor Lindelof and Ashley Young as Manchester United kicked-off their Champions League campaign. Victor Lindelof had fans divided on their opinion of him after questionable displays against Real Madrid and in pre-season; but he quashed all of that with a resolute performance in central defence. Let’s not forget, he shares the defence with Chris Smalling, who gives United fans a panic attack every time he’s on the ball, so kudos to Victor!
Ashley Young had come in place of the seemingly ‘irreplacable’ Antonio Valencia and did an impressive job down United’s right. A winger by trade, he perfectly complemented Juan Mata down United’s right and put in some deadly crosses, one of which was converted by Fellaini.
Certainly, a huge plus point for Mourinho, looking at his squad depth.
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Romelu Lukaku’s contributions go beyond goalscoring
Romelu Lukaku found the back of the net, yet again. His sixth goal for the club ensured 3 points on the night. But his contributions on the night were far beyond just goalscoring. His linkup play with the rest of the team just keeps on improving with each passing day, and he held the ball up well, freeing his teammates to run the empty channels. It was a comprehensive performance from Manchester United’s #9.
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Marcus Rashford dazzles yet again
Marcus Rashford prior to this had scored on each of his Premier League, Europa League, EFL Cup, England and England U-21 debuts; add Champions League to that list too! There seems to be so much purpose when he drives at people with his pace and tenacity. He can cut inside and have a pop at goal or can go outside and deliver a whipping cross into the box. Apart from that, Rashford also becomes only the fourth English teenager to score a Champions League goal for Manchester United after David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and Phil Jones, another illustrious list indeed.
We could be witnessing the rise of another footballing star.
