Manchester United swede past FC Basel on Wednesday at Old Trafford and came out victorious in the first Champions League match in group stage.
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Manchester United won the match with an emphatic scoreline of 3-0.
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The Red Devils started the European campaign with a positive result having played their first Champions League match in two years.
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Again the match against FC Basel turned towards United after Marouane Fellaini stepped onto the field having substituted for Pogba. Paul Pogba limped off after succumbing to a hamstring injury.
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Pogba lead the side as captain against FC Basel only to leave the match after 19 minutes.
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FC Basel never lost at Old Trafford in the previous two meetings but they looked nothing closer to Manchester United’s dominance in the game.
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Here we rate the player performances of United on a total of 10:
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On Goal
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David de Gea: 7.0
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Had nothing much to do in his first European appearance since November 2016.
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Made an amazing athletic save to fend off Elyounoussi in the second half.
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Another deserving clean sheet. 100th for the club.
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Faced no problem playing behind a new backline.
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Defense
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Daley Blind: 6.5
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Again started the game as the left back after Darmian stuttered against Stoke.
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Assist for Lukaku was the highlight of his performance against FC Basel.
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Good balanced attacking in this match by Blind. Few moments of indiscipline in defense
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Chris Smalling: 6.0
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Won a number of headers against FC Basel players.
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Have to be more commanding with rest of his backline to cement his place in the starting eleven.
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But a good game to return to the team.
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Victor Lindelof: 6.5
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Showed composure with the backline except for some shaky moments due to lack of first team play.
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Could have given a penalty in the second half due to rash sliding.
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Enjoyed a relatively serene night.
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Ashley Young: 8.0
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In the starting line-up for the first time this season, shone as a right back.
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Alert throughout the match both up and down, troubled Basel’s 3-4-3 formation with his play.
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His superb assist to Fellaini set Manchester United going in the first half.
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Almost bagged himself a goal in the second half with some trickery.
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Midfield
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Paul Pogba: 6.0
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Started the game as the captain for the visitors.
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Not much effective for United as he suffered an injury in the 19th minute and was substituted.
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But was creative as usual and showed his physical presence until he came off.
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Nemanja Matic: 7.0
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Another excellent performance from the Serb. Showed his conventional vigilance and positivity on the field.
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His positional awareness backed Fellaini to thrive and move forward at will.
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May not hit the headlines, but controlled the midfield with his physicality.
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Anthony Martial: 6.0
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His most subdued performance for the season so far. Couldn’t have much impact on the game.
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Troubled the Basel defense with his trickery and pace before being replaced.
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Was out-performed by his teammate on the opposite flank as most of the attack came from the right flank in the first half.
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Juan Mata: 6.5
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Is a compulsory player for a 4-2-3-1 formation. Often interchanged positions with Mhkitaryan with ease.
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Struggled to impact the game due to bad weather conditions.
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Proved clever at moments and was tidy in possession.
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Henrikh Mkhitaryan: 6.5
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Lively throughout the game but faded during the second half.
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Came close to scoring a goal having hit the post in the 6-yard box.
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Enjoying a better second season with United but needs a goal to cap off his performances.
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Attack
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Romelu Lukaku: 8.0
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Netted his sixth goal for the season with great header. Showed his goal scoring prowess.
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Though not known for his hold-up play, created a no. of chances for his teammates and invited them regularly.
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Was constant handful for the Basel backline and displayed his selfless play with a deserving goal.
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Subs
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Marouane Fellaini: 8.5
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Again scored after coming as a substitute. Slowly proving why Mourinho relies on him so much.
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Even assisted one for Marcus Rashford.
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Was commanding in the midfield having Matic holding his back.
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His importance is increasing. Excellent performance from the Belgian.
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Marcus Rashford: 7.0
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Third goal of the season for the young English international.
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Another debut goal, this time in the Champions League. Continues to impress at all stages.
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Composed during the match with another great performance.
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Jesse Lingard: 6.0
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Freshened up the play after coming on.
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Needs to play much better to go ahead of Rashford and Martial.
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Watch out for other updates on Manchester United at Arsedevils.
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