Lukaku nets first Champions League goal in United win

Jose Mourinho’s men made their long-awaited return to Europe’s elite competition on Tuesday evening with a tricky clash against Swiss champions Basel at Old Trafford.

The hosts started brightest and enjoyed enjoyed 76% of the possession in the opening 10 minutes, but were unable to create a clear cut chance to show for the early domination.

Mkhitaryan had the game’s first real opportunity after 14 minutes. Martial dinked a lovely pass over the Basel defence for Mata to run onto, the Spaniard then flicked the ball across the face of goal towards Mkhitaryan, but he couldn’t find the target with his header.

Pogba, who was given the captain’s armband for the night, was forced off early as he looked to have tweaked a hamstring and was replaced by Fellaini.

Mkhitaryan should have put United ahead on 22 minutes. Lukaku drove into the Basel box before cutting a ball back for the Armenia international. He scuffed his first attempt and it came back off post, then saw his second blocked by goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik.

Substitute Fellaini did break the deadlock just after the half-hour mark following nifty footwork from Ashley Young. The defender whipped in a dangerous cross, which Fellaini met with a powerful header that easily beat Vaclik.

Basel registered their first chance of the game just before half-time when Taulant Xhaka delivered a lofted free-kick towards the far post. Mohamed Elyounoussi, who had not been picked up by a red shirt, could only direct a weak header straight at De Gea.

Lukaku doubled United’s lead shortly after the break. Blind floated in a cross following a short corner that Lukaku, who was sandwiched between two Basel defenders, met and powered a header home to score his first Champions League goal.

The Belgian had a chance to net his second on 62 minutes. Mkhitaryan delivered a dangerous free-kick towards the far post, which Lukaku was on the end of it but saw his header comfortably saved.

Basel had an opportunity to pull one back two minutes later. Elyounoussi picked up the ball in the United penalty area, he managed to get a shot away but the effort was brilliantly tipped over by De Gea.

Rashford made it three late on after Fellaini got to the byline and cut a ball back into the path of the England international. The youngster kept his cool and calmly slotted past Vaclik to all but secure the three points for United.

The Swiss side had one final chance to bag a consolation goal when Luca Zuffi whipped in a delightful cross towards Renato Steffen. The winger, however, completely missed the ball as he tried to head past De Gea and wasted a golden opportunity.

Ultimately, United always looked the better side and closed out the game with relative ease. Mourinho will be happy with the victory but Basel will be hoping for better performances if they are to progress into the knockout stages.