Young Boys 0-3 Manchester United: 5 talking points

#5 United’s front three express themselves in the second half

BSC Young Boys v Manchester United - UEFA Champions League Group H

While Paul Pogba deserves a major dose of credit for his performance, one mustn’t overlook the manner in which United’s front three of Anthony Martial, Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford combined in the 18-yard box to improve United’s attacking index in the game. Martial, who has often cut a frustrated figure this season regarding his game-time, probably played his best game of the season with a series of mazy runs towards the byline.

He also showcased the presence of mind to look up and seek teammates to provide a pass. Marcus Rashford, on the other wing, was another who benefitted from being given the confidence of a starting spot by Mourinho with an intensity-filled performance through the heart of the Young Boys’ defence, whose set-up forced the 20-year old to play narrow and leave it to Dalot to do the job on the wing.

Lukaku, although not on the scoresheet, kept the ball in dangerous postitions and laid off Rashford and Martial on numerous occasions – particularly in the second half when Young Boys were committing men forward – to create chances to increase their advantage.

On the whole, United’s front three showed their ability to inflict collateral damage on the opposition when they can link up and get in behind the defence. Though initially on the backfoot with some disciplined defending by the home side, it was all about Martial, Lukaku and Rashford once the deadlock was broken. The trio could have added more goals in the second half but for some close offside calls and blocked shots. Will Jose Mourinho stick with the three against Wolves at the weekend or do Alexis Sanchez and Jesse Lingard return to the reckoning?