Last-minute Fellaini winner books United’s knockout place

Manchester United progressed with Juventus from Group H in the Champions League after they left it late to beat Young Boys after a wretched performance.

Questions will be asked of Mourinho’s men after a poor showing, however they beat their Swiss opponents in only the second fixture between the two cubs.

Chances were at a premium in the first half with the tie lacking any real quality. Marcus Rashford looked lively throughout and had a string of half chances, however nothing too serious for David von Ballmoos in the Young Boys goal.

The 21-year-old did well to get in behind the defence beating von Bergen for pace in the opening four minutes, however could only guide his effort slightly over the crossbar. Rashford was at it again ten minutes later, this time forcing a good save from the goalkeeper. He turned Steve von Bergen and hit a fierce effort on the spin, however it landed safely into the goalkeeper’s arms.

Veteran Young Boys captain Von Bergen hobbled off with a twisting his ankle just before half time as he tried to tackle Rashford, with that ending a lacklustre and dire first half at Old Trafford.  

The second half improved slightly, although there was a moment to forget for Marouane Fellaini. The Belgium international blazed an easy effort well over the bar after a defensive mix up at the back for Young Boys. Von Ballmoos came out far to gather a cross, however ended up spilling it into Fellaini’s path. The former Everton midfielder fluffed his lines and inexplicably hit the ball well over from six yards out. If anything, the glaring miss rejuvenated the Old Trafford crowd, who had little to cheer for during a dull opening forty five minutes.

The Swiss visitors sat back to the delight of their wall of travelling fans, all dressed superbly in yellow. Mourinho made attacking changes bringing on Pogba, Lukaku and Mata however Mourinho’s side were left frustrated as Young Boys set back.

Gerardo Seoane’s side were tough to break down, however very dangerous on the break with the Swiss Super League champions throwing players forward and attacking as a unit. This tactic nearly gave the visitors the lead on the 70th minute, however their efforts were foiled by a brilliant David de Gea save. The Spain international readjusted brilliantly to claw a deflected shot away from his right hand post. A vital save which won United the game in hindsight. 

Manchester United pushed for a late winner however lacked guile for the majority of the latter stages. Despite this, Fellaini redeemed himself for his poor miss with a dramatic winner at Old Trafford.

Paul Pogba rose well to flick on a Luke Shaw lofted ball, with the ball falling nicely for the robust Belgian. Fellaini turned the defender and managed to direct the ball in to the bottom right corner whilst falling off balance. A bitter pill to swallow for a resilient Young Boys side, however relief for the sparely populated Old Trafford crowd. 

Jose Mourinho dramatically displayed his relief by aggressively throwing over water bottles in the Manchester United dugout. Fellaini's goal means that he has now scored as many European Cup goals as Diego Maradona, not bad.

Jose Mourinho’s side are now through to the knockout stage, however the lacklustre showing at Old Trafford will not inspire even the most loyal Manchester United supporters.