Manchester United tasted 2-1 defeat in their last Champions League group game this season against Valencia. The Red Devils missed a golden opportunity to seal the top spot in their group as Young Boys shockingly registered a 2-1 victory against Juventus.
The match was actually meaningless for both the clubs as Manchester United have already progressed to the next round along with Juventus. But a heroic effort from Young Boys could have changed the odds for Jose Mourinho and his men had he won the game against Valencia. The Portuguese completely rule doubt the chance of topping the group, as he though it was too much of a task for Young Boys.
It was his side which lost an opportunity as Young Boys will enter the Europa League with flying colours having defeated Juventus in their last Champions League fixture.
It was Carlos Soler who opened the scoring for Valencia and a mistake from Phil Jones doubled the lead via an own goal. Marcus Rashford’s goal goal gave the Red Devils some hope of coming back into the game but it was not their night at the Mestalla.
Golden Opportunity wasted by Manchester United.
The Young Boys pulled out a rabbit of their hat after registering their 2-1 win over Juventus. The result meant that Jose Mourinho’s men needed a win to leapfrog Juventus and book the first spot. But the Red Devils could not notch up a win and hence, they lost a great chance to top the group for an easer draw in the next round.
The team were devoid of creativity and hunger especially in the first half. They started the second half with more urgency but were not able to take their chances which came their way. Juan Mata had a great chance in front of goal but the variable bounce made it hard to him to control the ball while back peddling.
The defeat means the Red Devils will be against tougher opponents in the round of 16.
Own goals no stranger for Phil Jones
Own goals are one of the most cruel aspect of football but one man who has grown used to it and is not stranger in Manchester United’s Phil Jones. The 26-year old defender was running towards his goal as the United custodian Sergio Romero came rushing from the other side. It was complete miscommunication among the goalkeeper and defender as Jones knocked the ball past him only to roll over the line.
The own goal came at a stage when Manchester United were pushing forward in search of an equaliser and it was definitely a blow to their morale as it doubled the Valencia lead. Phil Jones is now making a habit of conceding own goals this these, a habit he needs to get rid off. Or rather Jose Mourinho can shift him up the pitch just looking at his consistency to putting them in the back of the net.
Paul Pogba went missing for the large parts of the game
The Pogba-Mourinho conundrum is well know to everyone and after poor performances from the World Cup winner, Jose decided to stick him to the bench as he has not started in the last 2 league games. He came on as a substitute in United’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal and was an unused sub in their dominant 4-1 win over Fulham.
Jose Mourinho gave him an opportunity to prove his mettle at the Mestalla to register a first team spot in their weekend match against Liverpool. The 25-year old missed a clear cut chance from six yards out. Fellaini’s header was guided toward Pogba who was brilliantly positioned to score, but he shockingly side footed the ball wide off the line.
It was one of those underwhelming performances from the Frenchman, as his confidence currently is rock bottom and he is clearly not enjoying his stay at the Old Trafford.
Once a transfer target, Carlos Soler was too much for the United defence to handle.
Soler, 21, was once topping the charts of Manchester Uniter transfer wish-list. From there he has made his journey here as he bagged the Man of the match award in their 2-1 drubbing of the Red Devils at home. The Spaniard broke the deadlock by scoring in the 17th minute mark, he could have got two or three assists to his having if teammates like Michy Batshuayi could been a little more prolific in front of goal.
Manchester United kept close tabs on the Spaniard for a long time and yet they failed to keep him in check on the night as he created a lot of chances for his side.
The 21-year old has been a regular starter for Valencia under manager Marcelinho and with his current form he will be a pivotal figure for the Los Ches in La Liga and also in Europa League.
