UCL Matchday-4 : Man United 4 – 1 Istanbul Başakşehir

Manchester United defeated Istanbul Başakşehir 4 – 1 at Old Trafford to move top of the Group H table. Bruno Fernandes’ first half-double lifts United to avenge their Matchday-3 loss at Istanbul.

United manager Ole, made two changes to the team that beat West Brom in the Premier League on Saturday. Van de Beek replaces Matić in midfield, while fellow summer arrival Cavani makes his first start for the club in place of Mata. Martial moved to left while Rashford starts on the right for United.

One Istanbul Başakşehir player knows how it feels like to play for United at Old Trafford. Rafael made 170 appearances for United, winning five major honours in his seven seasons with the club. Rafael, who returns to Old Trafford for the first time. “It’s just very, very exciting,” says the Brazilian. “I’ve been looking forward to playing again at the Theatre of Dreams for so long. It’s going to be unique.”

“The club means everything to me,” Rafael continues. “This club is my life, it is the club I thank for everything in my heart. I always hope they do well. I love hearing from every United supporter because I’m one too. I will forever be a United supporter.”

Bruno Early Double seals the deal for United

Home side off to a great start, Bruno Fernandes gives early 1-0 lead in the 7 minutes with a great effort, Epureanu’s clearing header from Alex Telles’ corner sits up nicely for the 26-year-old, whose thumping right-footed half-volley arrows into the roof of the net.

After 12 minutes United doubled their lead, A straightforward second for Bruno. Mert Günok races off his line to claim a searching cross from the left flank, but is unable to gather, leaving the 26-year-old to poke the loose ball home from close range.

Marcus Rashford converts penalty to give the Home team commanding 3-0 lead in the 35 minute, after The on-loan Celtic defender impedes Rashford after racing onto a searching Lindelöf pass from defence. The England international is calmness personified, sending a side-footed effort low into the right-hand corner of the net, with Mert Günok diving the opposite way.

Deniz Türüç pulls one back for visitors with a stunning freekick in 75 minute, The left-footer bends the set piece, to the left of the box, around the wall and despite a despairing dive by De Gea, there is too much pace on the curling strike for the goalkeeper to prevent it going over the line.

Substitute Daniel James adds insurance goal in the injury time (90+2 minute) to restore United’s three goal lead. A simple finish for a rare goal by the substitute! Greenwood is sent clear down the right by a pinpoint Van de Beek pass, and the teenager centers for his fellow substitute to stroke home past the advancing goalkeeper.

Post-Match reactions:

Bruno Fernandes has now been directly involved in 34 goals in his 35 appearances for United – scoring 21 and supplying 13 assists. And he is the man of the match winner for his two goal performance. After the match, during post-match interview Bruno talked about his stunning first goal, giving penalty chance to Rashford and about teams performances.

Bruno Fernandes, Man. United midfielder, speaking to BT Sport:

“All games are important. This was a big game for us to stay near the top of the group, and thankfully we did that, I think we played really well. We started the game with the right mentality – stronger, intense. I think the first half was really important to get the three points today.”

“It was a really good goal. You need to be ready when you’re outside the box for these kind of situations, or sometimes, to stop the counter. Tonight it was a shot!”

“It doesn’t matter who takes the penalties. The most important thing is scoring. When the team scores, I score too. Every player wants a hat-trick but after the Premier League game I told Rashy [Rashford] that he would take the next one. Also Rashy is one of the top scorers in the UEFA Champions League. I think it will be important for him to keep going there and take that confidence.”

“We have a big game against Southampton first, then we can focus on the match at home to Paris. It’s a very important fixture for us.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Man. United manager: 

“It’s never easy going into a game against opponents who beat you three weeks ago, but in the first half we played some excellent football. I was very pleased with the whole set-up tonight.”

“I didn’t want the boys to think the game was over at half-time, which is why I only made one sub. After an hour they were unlikely to score three goals, so that was the time to make some changes.”

“Anthony made a big impact from the left, and Marcus put in some great crosses from the right. I was very happy with the whole team’s performance. We wanted to show attacking intent. We had to be careful – they’re a very good counterattacking side.”

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