United Edge Closer to Champions League Knockout Stage
Reds beat Benfica 2-0 at Old Trafford in Group A clash
United are just one point away from qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages after a comfortable 2-0 win over Benfica thanks to an own goal from Benfica keeper Mile Svilar and a penalty from Daley Blind.
Svilar was unlucky as Nemanja Matic’s long-range effort bounced off the post and hit him in the back to open the scoring, the opener coming after Anthony Martial had a penalty saved.
The Frenchman was fouled in the area and stepped up to take the spot kick only to see it saved by Svilar.
There was more penalty ‘drama’ later on as substitute Marcus Rashford earned the Reds’ a second spot kick, which Romelu Lukaku stepped up to take, the ball was then taken off him by Ander Herrera, who in turn had the ball taken from him by Daley Blind, who converted the penalty.
The decision to give the penalty to Blind was Jose Mourinho who explained why in his post-match interview:
“I am paid to take decisions, good or bad. In the first half the decision was bad because the player that I chose (Martial) to take the penalty missed.
“In the second half I made another decision and I don't see the drama because there is no drama on it.
“The penalty taker for this match was Martial. He took in the first half and missed. He was not even on the pitch when the second one was (given) and then I have to make a decision.
“Romelu wants to take, he has the personality to take the responsibility.
“(Ander) Herrera was the same, but my decision based on what we did in training in the past couple of days was Blind.
“The players respected my decision and that was it. End of story.''
The win leaves United top of Group A six points clear of FC Basel, meaning one point from their remaining two games will guarantee qualification.