In the final round of the Champions League group stage matches of in Group H, Young Boys did a favor to United defeating Juventus but United failed to capitalize it to win the Group H. It was the great opportunity for United to avoid the big and strong teams but Manchester United. But United was more focussed on Liverpool match in the weekend and never looked like playing to win this match. Ultimately they lost 2-1 to Valencia in a very uninspiring performance.
With both Juventus and Manchester United already qualified for the next round and Valencia qualified for the Europa, all the group stage matches were meaningless. But if United would have won this match, United could have finished as the group winner. In this match, both Valencia and United had their second team in the field. Jose made the total of 8 changes to the team that won 4-1 against Fulham. Paul Pogba returned to the line up for United. Also, Fred and Pereira also started for United. Romero started in the goal while Valencia returned after long injury. Lukaku started upfront for United.
It was a rough start for United from the kickoff. The returning club captain committed a very rough foul on Toni Lato which could have got him red but lucky to see only yellow here. Then at the 17th minute, United conceded the first goal. Carlos Soler scored for Valencia after he found the poor headed clearance by Jones in the box, putting it into the far corner. With little effort kept from both sides for goals, both sides missed a couple of good chances. Mata missed the half-volley while Romero denies Batshuayi. Pogba had the best chances after Fellaini kept the header down but he missed it big time.
In the second half, Mourinho brought Young to provide strength to the attack but saw his side concede again. Jones who was at fault for the first goal scored an own goal to double the lead. Mourinho brought Rashford and Lingard in search of goals but waited till the 87th minute for it. The link of play between multiple United players finally found Young who crossed it into the box and found Rashford. He did not mistake this time to put the ball back of the net. And in the 90th minute, Juan Mata got a lovely ball from Pogba which he kept inch wide to deny the equalizer for United.
At Switzerland, Young Boys did a huge favor pulling the biggest upset of the tournament by defeating Juventus by 2-1 but went in vain. As it stood, Juventus are through to next round as runner-up and would be facing the big guns. United will get its opponent on December 17 and the two teams United will avoid are Juventus and Manchester City among the 8 group winners. Manchester City is the only English team to finish as group winners while United, Spurs, and Liverpool progressed as the runner-up.
Group Winners: Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Manchester City, PSG, Porto, Real Madrid
Group Runner-Up: Ajax, Atletico Madrid, Liverpool, Lyon, United, Spurs, Roma, Schalke
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