UCL 2017/18: Benfica 0-1 Manchester United, 5 talking points
On another exciting Champions League night in Europe, a not so thrilling game involving Manchester United and Benfica ended 1-0 in the favour of Red Devils. Although 19-year-old Marcus Rashford scored a free-kick from 40 yards, he owes a big time thanks to young Mile Svilar, who carried the ball with him beyond the goal line.
Although Mourinho might be relieved to scrap a win and bag the three points, the Portuguese will need to address some issues when United face the Portuguese champions in the return leg at Old Trafford.
Here are the major talking points from the clash.
#5 A disappointing first half
To tell the truth, Manchester United didn't put in a much-improved performance compared to their below-par display against Liverpool at the weekend. On paper, the Red Devils were outright favourites to win and they did bow out with three points, but the home side rose magnificently to the challenge of facing the United.
On many occasions, Benfica's fluence in attacks seemed to trouble United as they failed to establish a grip on the game. Mourinho made four changes from the game at Anfield but they failed to deliver the expected results in terms of performance.
Jose Mourinho's 4-1-4-1 setup failed to bring out positive football and after the swash-buckling start, the club have managed just one goal in the last two games.
While Victor Lindelof returned to his former home for the first time after his switch to Old Trafford, the bittersweet day for him ended in a lucky escape as United boasted with three points at the end.