It was indeed a 'face-me-i-face-you' affair in Switzerland as Manchester United and Basel knocked horns at the St Jakob-Park. Both teams had their share of dominance but late strike from Lang ended the tie in favour of FC Basel.
These are five (5) matters arising from this clash:
1. THE BASEL 'PALAVA' CONTINUES
FC Basel have remained a nemesis for English teams including United on their home soil. The last time United played them at home, it was 2-1 loss under 'Igwe' Alex Ferguson.
Mourinho also lost there on his last visit with his Chelsea team and the goal like today was scored in injury time.
So whether Fergie time or Mourinho time, Basel are proving to have United's 'Mumu button' at home.
2. DELAY IS ALWAYS DANGEROUS
United should have settled the scoreline for this game in the 1st half. Clear chances were missed and It became a game against BAR-SEL as United kept hitting the cross-BAR painfully.
In the 2nd half, Basel took thier turn in the 'face-me-i-face-you' matter and finally punished United with the late goal.
2. POGBA IS NOT A TREQUARTISTA.
José rotated the squad heavily and played a 4-2-3-1 formation with Paul 'Ikenna' Pogba as the Trequartista. This turned out to be a big tactical "Bruhaha".. (In the words of Professor Johnbull).
This was further worsened by having 'Oga Fela' and Herrera behind him.
Pogba's influence in the game was limited. He clearly functions better as a Deep-lying playmaker.
3. IT IS AN EMERGENCY: RIGHT WINGER NEEDED!!
The Hymns and choruses of "We need a proper right winger" will never end. Today, Jesse Lingard was started in that role but was anonymously anonymous.
He worked hard, very hard, but nothing happened; no impact.
4. THE REST WAS GOOD
José 'Uchenna' Mourinho made 7 changes from the team that won Newcastle, ensuring that some of our work horses - Nemanja 'Agu' Matic, Antonio 'Dede-one-way' Valencia and others were rested.
It was a good plan as December fast is approaching with its hectic fixtures.....Even though it turned sour with the result at the end.
5. MARCUS 'ODEGBAMI' ROJO IS BACK.
The Argentine left-footed defender returned yesterday after several months out. He was the only reason to smile after the sad loss as he put in a no-nosense display.....He nearly iced his performance with a goal that came off the crossbar.
He was rock solid, and United fans surely can wait for his partnership with Eric 'Olusegun' Bailly.
IN THE END, while Daley 'Ifeanyi' Blind slept, Lang came 'from his behind' and poured 'san-san' into our champions league winning run with that Last minute goal. No problem! It's alright. I will try not to cry.
UP NEXT, BRIGHTON, Same time, Same station, ON Saturday. Stay tuned to #ManUtdNaijaFM(Like and follow this page).
OPINION POLL
Let's have your thoughts about the match in the comment section below.
GLORY GLORY MAN UNITED.
These are five (5) matters arising from this clash:
1. THE BASEL 'PALAVA' CONTINUES
FC Basel have remained a nemesis for English teams including United on their home soil. The last time United played them at home, it was 2-1 loss under 'Igwe' Alex Ferguson.
Mourinho also lost there on his last visit with his Chelsea team and the goal like today was scored in injury time.
So whether Fergie time or Mourinho time, Basel are proving to have United's 'Mumu button' at home.
2. DELAY IS ALWAYS DANGEROUS
United should have settled the scoreline for this game in the 1st half. Clear chances were missed and It became a game against BAR-SEL as United kept hitting the cross-BAR painfully.
In the 2nd half, Basel took thier turn in the 'face-me-i-face-you' matter and finally punished United with the late goal.
2. POGBA IS NOT A TREQUARTISTA.
José rotated the squad heavily and played a 4-2-3-1 formation with Paul 'Ikenna' Pogba as the Trequartista. This turned out to be a big tactical "Bruhaha".. (In the words of Professor Johnbull).
This was further worsened by having 'Oga Fela' and Herrera behind him.
Pogba's influence in the game was limited. He clearly functions better as a Deep-lying playmaker.
3. IT IS AN EMERGENCY: RIGHT WINGER NEEDED!!
The Hymns and choruses of "We need a proper right winger" will never end. Today, Jesse Lingard was started in that role but was anonymously anonymous.
He worked hard, very hard, but nothing happened; no impact.
José 'Uchenna' Mourinho made 7 changes from the team that won Newcastle, ensuring that some of our work horses - Nemanja 'Agu' Matic, Antonio 'Dede-one-way' Valencia and others were rested.
It was a good plan as December fast is approaching with its hectic fixtures.....Even though it turned sour with the result at the end.
5. MARCUS 'ODEGBAMI' ROJO IS BACK.
The Argentine left-footed defender returned yesterday after several months out. He was the only reason to smile after the sad loss as he put in a no-nosense display.....He nearly iced his performance with a goal that came off the crossbar.
He was rock solid, and United fans surely can wait for his partnership with Eric 'Olusegun' Bailly.
IN THE END, while Daley 'Ifeanyi' Blind slept, Lang came 'from his behind' and poured 'san-san' into our champions league winning run with that Last minute goal. No problem! It's alright. I will try not to cry.
UP NEXT, BRIGHTON, Same time, Same station, ON Saturday. Stay tuned to #ManUtdNaijaFM(Like and follow this page).
OPINION POLL
Let's have your thoughts about the match in the comment section below.
GLORY GLORY MAN UNITED.