Manchester United are back in the Champions League and the atmosphere around the club couldn’t be better following the club’s 3-0 win over Basel Tuesday night at Old Trafford.
Marouane Fellaini came on for an injured (hopefully not serious) Paul Pogba and opened the scoring while Romelu Lukaku and substitute Marcus Rashford saw the game out with his late goal for Manchester United.
Player ratings
GK David de Gea, 7 — A quiet afternoon for the world class keeper. However, he was ready when he was called into action and made a great stop in the second half.
DF Ashley young, 8.5 — Mourinho’s selection at right-back had fans scratching their head before the match. But the former Aston Villa man was running rampant down the right flank. Had a great cross for Fellaini’s opener.
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DF Victor Lindelof, 6.5 — He had his moments in this match, but he also looked vulnerable at times too. The £31m signing nearly gave away a penalty in the second half, but his rustiness can be explained by lack of playing time.
DF Chris Smalling, 6.5 — Like Lindelof, Smalling had his moments in the match. However, there were times where he didn’t look confident on the ball or with his passes.
DF Daley Blind, 7 — The Dutchman had a quiet first half, but was responsible for Lukaku’s goal in the second half after supplying a superb cross.
MF Nemanja Matic, 7.5 — The calming presence in midfield United so desperately needed. He controlled the tempo of the match, and his ball-winning ability helped United dictate the match.
MF Henrikh Mkhitaryan, 6 — Not the best afternoon for the Armenian. Should have scored twice in the first half. However, he looked dangerous on the break.
MF Paul Pogba, NR — Played just 19 minutes before an apparent hamstring injury forced him off. The captain for the day got forward well before Fellaini replaced him.
FW Juan Mata, 6.5 — Mata played well in the first half and had excellent movement off of the ball. Replaced by Rashford in the second half.
FW Romelu Lukaku, 8.5 — The big Belgian scored yet again — this time on his Champions League debut with a bullet-header from a Blind cross. His work-rate was impressive as he worked to win back the few balls he lost.
FW Anthony Martial, 7 — Quiet first half but showed his worth in the second. Unlucky to not have a goal as his point-blank shot was scuffed wide.
Substitutes
Marouane Fellaini, 8 — Loved or hated, there is no doubt the controversial player did his job today when he came on for Pogba who was injured in the 19th minute. Scored the opener and set up Rashford.
Jesse Lingard, 5.5 — Brought on for Martial in the 69th minute. Didn’t make an impact on the match in the 20 minutes gifted.
Marcus Rashford, 7 — The wonder kid just can’t stop scoring on debuts. He came on for Mata in the 77th minute and immediately had his eyes set for goal. He calmly put away Fellaini’s low cross.
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The Red Devils now find themselves atop Group A, exactly where Mourinho and fans expected them to be. There are tougher games down the line to be sure, but a dominant opening win at home should have them on the track for success in the elite competition.