United lost their last Champions League game to this opposition, but with United three up within 35 minutes, it looked like this time the Reds were in control and home and dry. However United became sloppy and with 15 minutes remaining Deniz Turuc’s free-kick reduced the deficit. United wobbled as Edin Visca instantly rattled the crossbar. At this stage we were anxiously watching the minutes tick away, praying for the game to end, when Daniel James added a stoppage-time fourth from Mason Greenwood’s pass.
Injuries and sickness prevented the Boss from fielding the side he would have wished. Luke Shaw remains out injured alongside Phil Jones. Jesse Lingard is self-isolating after being in contact with a positive coronavirus case. Paul Pogba was ruled out after experiencing more discomfort in his ankle on Monday.
Although there were many first class performances, my Man of the Match award goes Bruno Fernandes. He has become the talisman of the team and United’s performance degenerated when he came off. His thunderous half-volley is arguably his best goal for United. It helped set the tone for the rest of the game. He could have had a hat-trick from the penalty spot , but after scoring his last two penalties only after retakes, he was selfless in letting Rashford take the kick. Unfortunately, Fernandes missed out on a well deserved hat-trick when he was subbed off in the 59th-minute in favour of teenage sensation Mason Greenwood.
United face PSG at Old Trafford coming Wednesday before a trip to RB Leipzig a week later, and a point from those last two games will send us through to the last 16.
Article contributed by Contributor Kenneth. Comments are appreciated on our Facebook page.