Manchester United were denied a place in the Champions League knockout phase as Michael Lang’s late strike secured Basel a memorable, and deserved, victory.
Jose Mourinho’s men started Group A with four successive victories and could have qualified without even kicking a ball had CSKA Moscow failed to beat Benfica in the early kick-off.
It still appears a case of when rather than if United reach the last 16, but Basel’s late 1-0 win means progress is not yet completely certain ahead of the Russians’ visit to Old Trafford next month.
What they said
Jose Mourinho, left, and Raphael Wicky, shake hands prior to the game
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho: “We played against a team that played with five defenders. We knew that. It’s hard for me to be upset with the players. The first half the attitude was good, the football was good. It is really difficult to blame. It’s just football.” Basel boss Raphael Wicky: “I don’t want to talk too much about the opponent. We deserved the victory. We played hard and deserved this victory.”
Tweet of the match
Star man – Paul Pogba
Looked bright on his second start since sustaining a hamstring injury against Basel when the sides met in September. Was superb on the ball but was taken off in the 66th minute as he became tired. The impact of his exit was noticeable.
Moment of the match
The dying seconds as Raoul Petretta’s low cross was met at the far post by Lang, sending the Basel faithful wild.
Data point
Liverpool are among the other English clubs to suffer defeat at Basel
United failed to keep a clean sheet in Basel – the 14th time an English side have failed to keep a clean sheet there in continental competition.
Player ratings
Basel: Tomas Vaclik 7 (out of 10), Manuel Akanji 7, Marek Suchy 7, Eder Balanta 7, Michael Lang 7, Serey Die 7, Luca Zuffi 7, Raoul Petretta 7, Renato Steffen 7, Mohamed Elyounoussi 7, Dimitri Oberlin 6. Subs: Alexander Fransson (for Die, 80) 6. Manchester United: Sergio Romero 7, Matteo Darmian 6, Marcos Rojo 6, Chris Smalling 7, Daley Blind 6, Ander Herrera 6, Marouane Fellaini 6, Jesse Lingard 6, Paul Pogba 7, Anthony Martial 6, Romelu Lukaku 6. Subs: Marcus Rashford (for Lingard, 63) 6, Nemanja Matic (for Pogba, 66) 6, Zlatan Ibrahimovic (for Martial, 74) 6.
Who’s up next?
Luzern v Basel (Swiss Super League, Saturday, November 25)
Manchester United v Brighton (Premier League, Saturday, November 25)
Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.