Patrick Rees
Two Belgians rose high while Marcus Rashford added another in Manchester United’s 3-0 victory over FC Basel in their opening game of the 2017/18 Champions League.
On a night when Pogba was given the nod to guide his side from the front – as he was named captain, it was first-half substitute, Marouane Fellaini who opened the scoring. The Frenchman limped off the field in as early as the 19th minute due to what seemed to be a hamstring pull. Mourinho decided to bring on Fellaini, and it only took him less than 20 minutes to break the deadlock.
Ashley Young received the ball on the flank and the Englishman did what he does best. Squaring off two defenders, the former Aston Villa winger delivered a delicious cross into the area and it was met by an equally lightning header by Marouane Fellaini.
It took Manchester United around 20 minutes to add another and it was a pinpoint header again. At the other end, however, it was Daley Blind who delivered a left footed curler, with Romelu Lukaku making no mistake in scoring his first Champions League goal for the club.
Heading into the final 10 minutes, United added another and it was another substitute, Marcus Rashford who added further misery to Basel’s fate. In a quick counter, Lukaku released Marouane Fellaini in the danger area and the midfielder’s deflected pass somehow reached Marcus Rashford and the Englishman finished the ball in absolute style.
Having won 3-0, United now top their CL group on goal difference as CSKA Moscow defeated Benfica 2-1.
The fans were joyous after the victory and this is how the fans reacted on Twitter:
Oh, well, yes… It was an another achievement for Marcus Rashford
1 – Marcus Rashford has scored on his PL, Europa League, Champions League & EFL Cup debut for @ManUtd, as well as his England debut. Star. pic.twitter.com/15yOy8Mc8V
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 12, 2017
— KB🔻 (@FinallyRomelu) September 12, 2017
good match from lindelof!
— Harald Federer (@frustratedcitze) September 12, 2017
Sell Pogba and use the money to build Statue of Fellaini outside Old Trafford
— Josh Blake (@joshblejk) September 12, 2017
FELLAINI MOTM
— Steven (@OneFootValencia) September 12, 2017
Fellaini was a game changer and young did well
— MR J (@s_dariel) September 12, 2017
Some good performances from @ManUtd players tonight – Professional and efficient! 3 points in the bag and few @ChampionsLeague debut goals.
— Danny Webber 🐝 (@DanielWebber81) September 12, 2017
@MarcusRashford is on 🔥🔥🔥🔥
— Philip Neville (@fizzer18) September 12, 2017
Fellaini remains the most hated player yet the only player that gives his everything whenever called upon.
He is my MOTM for today.— Mohammad Alqadre (@MKYA95) September 12, 2017
Rashfoooord 🔥🔥 assist from MOTM Zinedine lionel fellaini!!!! #MUFC #MUNBAS
— Geoffroy Fisher (@MarvelManUtd) September 12, 2017
.
Marouane Fellaini creates Manchester United’s third. Man of the match performance from Paul Pogba’s replacement. #MUNBAS
— Duncan Castles (@DuncanCastles) September 12, 2017
It’s bucketing down rain and the Basel coach doesn’t even have a coat on, he’ll have a cold in his kidneys in the morning #MUNBAS
— Niall Duffy (@niallducky) September 12, 2017
Don’t let Marcus Rashford date your sister/daughter. He will score on the first date.#MUNBAS #UCL #ManUtd pic.twitter.com/YqyvOwk8Sa
— AYOMIDE GAIN ✨ (@AL95LA) September 12, 2017
So @MarcusRashford debuts for @ManUtd
Europa ⚽️⚽️
EPL ⚽️⚽️
FA Cup ⚽️
League Cup ⚽️
ENG ⚽️
ENG u21⚽️⚽️⚽️
UCL ⚽️What a youg lad,😀#MUNBAS
— Ravi Mehra (@ravifutbalcrazy) September 12, 2017
A night of Belgian headers #MUNBAS ⚽⚽👌👌
— Gary Spike OSullivan (@spike_osullivan) September 12, 2017
