United Claims three points against Basel

Romelu Lukaku scored his first UEFA Champions League goal as Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 win over FC Basel at Old Trafford. The hosts were up and running early after a flowing move saw Juan Mata delivering a beautiful cross to find Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the Basel box but the midfielder's header went over the crossbar.


Jose Mourinho’s men were in the mood to play and some neat interplay led to Romelu Lukaku’s cutback being well-struck by Mkhitaryan but his effort hit the upright and the rebound was saved by Tomas Vaclik in the Basel goal. United were dealt a blow when star midfielder Paul Pogba was substituted due to injury and was replaced by Marouane Fellaini.

The breakthrough eventually came for United as Ashley Young’s cross was met by a strong header from first half substitute Fellaini to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.  FC Basel rarely challenged the Manchester United rearguard and the hosts held on to their lead going into the halftime break.

The visitors started the second half the stronger and were knocking on the United door early on. Much against the run of play United used the wide route and Daley Blind delivered a pinpoint cross to find Romelu Lukaku and the Belgian international headed home to double his side’s lead.

David De Gea who had little to do in the game was called to action in the second half after a brilliantly curled effort from Mohamed Elyounoussi was parried over the bar by the United shot stopper. Another good piece of play by United mesmerised the Basel defense and was beautifully finished off by Marcus Rashford who had just come on off the bench to seal all three points for Jose Mourinho’s men.