Basel vs Manchester United - as it happened: Jose Mourinho's side suffer shock late defeat
Look back at how it happened, minute-by-minute
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United arrive in Switzerland knowing that a point against Basel will ensure they qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League.
It would also mean they are sure to win Group A, so Jose Mourinho will be keen to get a result and smooth their passage in the new year.
Basel are second in the group and will be determined to secure their place in the next round – and they history of beating United in European competition.
Follow all the live action below.
Match preview
In the build up to the game, Mourinho has played down talk of a rift with Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
“The story is always the same. In some positions, when you don't have injuries, you have lots of options in other positions,” Mourinho said.
“In this moment, we have Pogba, Marouane Fellaini, Ander Herrera, Nemanja Matic and Scott McTominay.
“So I can imagine, next week, you are going to ask – why is this player not playing?
“Micki is not playing because we had lots of options for that match. I decided to play Marcus Rashford and Martial together.
“For many weeks, the question was – why do they not play together? Now, the question is why is Micki not playing.
“The answer is very simple – until the international board change the rules, I can only start with 11!”
What times does it start?
Basel vs Manchester United kicks off at 19:45 GMT.
Where can I watch it?
The game is live on BT Sport 2.
It’s a big game for…
Victor Lindelof. The centre back was on his backside when Newcastle scored on the weekend and has yet to establish himself but can make a statement by helping United secure their place in the next round.
Form guide…
Basel: WWDLDW
Manchester United: LWWWLW
Odds...
Basel win 10/3
Draw 12/5
Manchester United win 10/11
84' - United's substitutes have made very little difference so far. This really has been a game of two halves.
88' - Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku link up well as they exchange a headed one-two before the Swede sends a first-time shot from distance over the crossbar.
GOAL! Basel 1-0 Manchester United (Lang)
89' - Basel deservedly take the lead and it's Michael Lang who stabs the ball home at the far post. United really have been woeful in this second half.
Full-time - Basel 1-0 Manchester United
The final whistle goes and United have been beaten by Michael Lang's late, late goal.
Reaction from Jose Mourinho to come shortly.
Post-match quotes from Daley Blind
"The second half was up and down. They created the possibility to score. Gave a good cross and he (Lang) got round the back and I was a little too late
"We have enough confidence in the group so we will be alright. First half we played good, second half was not so good. We have to keep on training like we do every day."
Quotes from BT Sport
Full-time results from around Europe
- CSKA Moscow 2-0 Benfica
- Qarabag 0-4 Chelsea
- Anderlecht 1-2 Bayern
- Atletico 2-0 Roma
- Basel 1-0 Manchester United
- Juventus 0-0 Barcelona
- PSG 7-1 Celtic
- Sporting 3-1 Olympiakos
Post-match reaction from Jose Mourinho
His analysis of the match: "We lost because in the first half we should be 5-0 up and we couldn't score after being so dominant. It looked like for many periods of the first half that it was impossible not to win.
"When you lose so many chances, you put yourselves in this situation. In the second half the feeling of everybody would be, 'OK [we'll take] 0-0', but then they scored a goal in the last minute."
On the manner of Basel's winning goal: "I'm too far away to see but I saw the low cross and their right wing-back appeared behind Daley Blind. I can't see what happened on the opposite side."
On Daley Blind blaming himself for the goal: "I don't think it's fair for him to blame himself because he had a positive game. We have to blame everybody that was on the pitch because we lost so many chances that we put ourselves in this situation. It is always a risky situation when you miss so many chances."
Quotes from BT Sport
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments