Tuesday's Group A opener saw Manchester United make a triumphant return to the Champion League with a well-deserved victory over FC Basel at Old Trafford. It was Marouane Fellaini, who opened the scoring for United before Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford added to the tally. United dominated the encounter, piling up pressures on Basel's box. The score differential could have been even greater as the home team missed plenty of shots in front of goal. However, FC Basel made little efforts to counter United's back line but ended up losing the encounter without any reasonable shot on target.
Manchester United are at the summit of the group with three points, while Fc Basel 1893 are at the bottom. Here's the match summary in details.
Manchester United outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - David de Gea (7.09). Defender - Ashley Young (8.43), Victor Lindelöf (7.08), Chris Smalling (7.10), Daley Blind (7.43). Midfielder - Paul Pogba (6.20), Nemanja Matic (6.71), Juan Mata (6.72), Henrikh Mkhitaryan (7.32), Anthony Martial (7.20). Forward - Romelu Lukaku (8.55). Used substitutes - Marouane Fellaini (8.00), Marcus Rashford (seven points), Jesse Lingard (six points).
Team's strength and weakness: José Mourinho's men often stole the ball from Basel players and had possession for a long time.They created opportunities through long balls, flanks, and long shot situations.
United were clinical in their approach.
Team style of play: Manchester United largely operated through the middle, with passes and long balls.
FC Basel 1893 outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Tomás Vaclik (six points). Defender - Éder Balanta (six points), Marek Suchy (6.32), Manuel Akanji (six points).
Midfielder - Michael Lang (5.40), Blás Riveros (6.48), Taulant Xhaka (6.50), Luca Zuffi (six points). Forward - Renato Steffen (6.32), Ricky van Wolfswinkel (six points), Mohamed Elyounoussi (6.89). Used substitutes - Kevin Bua (six points), Dimitri Oberlin (5.57).
Team's strength and weakness: Basel apparently showed no significant strength and weakness.
Team style of play: Basel were more defensive and made few flows of the ball on United's half. They only favored playing through the flanks.
Who's the Man of the match?
United striker Romelu Lukaku was impressive on the attack. Lukaku single-handedly destroyed Basel defense and in the process, he scored his first Champions League goal. He was just outstanding.
Group A upcoming fixtures
Manchester United will travel to Russia to slog it out with CSKA Moscow on Wednesday 27 September, while FC Basel 1893 will play host to Benfica the same night.
