Marcus Rashford’s long-range free-kick caught out teenage goalkeeper Mile Svilar on his Champions League debut as Manchester United edged past Benfica.
Belgian Svilar, the competition’s youngest goalkeeper at 18 years and 52 days, suffered a moment to forget when he carried Rashford’s 35-yard free-kick from out wide over his own goalline.
Goalscorer Rashford gave United a cause for concern when he limped off with a leg injury in the second half and was replaced by Anthony Martial.
Up until the 63-minute goal, the visitors had been largely disappointing, pedestrian in their play and caused few problems for the Portuguese side.
Former Benfica midfielder Nemanja Matic forced Svilar into a low save and lashed an effort over the crossbar, as did the disappointing Henrikh Mkhitaryan from a promising position.
The home side failed to work David de Gea into a save for the entire game and their best chance fell to Eduardo Salvio in the first half, but the Argentina winger struck wide from inside the box. Veteran centre-back Luisao was given a second yellow card late on.
Jose Mourinho’s side top Group A after winning all three games, while Basel beat CSKA Moscow in the other game.
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