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As it happenedended

Valencia vs Manchester United as it happened: Jose Mourinho's side miss chance to top Champions League group

Re-live all the action from the Mestalla

Nathan Jacobs
Wednesday 12 December 2018 14:21 EST
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Valencia v Manchester United: Champions League match preview

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Manchester United blew the chance to top their Champions League group as Jose Mourinho's much-changed side slumped to a 2-1 loss at Valencia.

Progress to the last 16 was already assured ahead of the trip to the Mestalla, yet this was a chance for Paul Pogba and Co to prove their worth and secure a win that would see them top Group H in the unlikely event that Juventus slipped up in Switzerland.

The improbable played out 650 miles away as Young Boys secured a remarkable 2-1 win against the Serie A behemoths but United failed to capitalise as they lost by the same scoreline in Spain, with Marcus Rashford grabbing a late consolation after Carlos Soler struck and Phil Jones turned into his own goal.

It was a largely lifeless, incoherent display from Mourinho's men and awful preparation for Sunday's trip to Premier League-leading rivals Liverpool.

GOALL!!! Manchester City 1-1 Hoffenheim (Sane)

WHAT A STRIKE! 

Is there anything this player can't do? 

Right on the cusp of half time with City staring a half time deficit in the face, the German winger lines up a 30-yard free-kick and strikes it Ronaldo esque with the top of his foot. 

His shot dips and swerves and beats the keeper who was helpless. 

Moments later, the referee blows for half time. 

Nathan Jacobs12 December 2018 20:51

Kyle Walker is coming on for Manchester City in the second half. 

Nathan Jacobs12 December 2018 21:06

United have got the game underway and have started with a bit more purpose as Pogba searches for Lukaku quickly..

Nathan Jacobs12 December 2018 21:06

46 mins: OH DEAR! Valencia 2-0 Man United (O.G Jones) 

United's early purpose has been sucker punched by Valencia. 

Well, it was United's own doing to be honest as the ball is played forwards for Batshuayi. 

As Jones tries to deal with it, he has no communication with Romero with the keeper rushing out. 

The English centre halves impact was to turn the goal beyond the onrushing keeper and he will be very embarrassed now. 

Nathan Jacobs12 December 2018 21:08

47 mins: It was that man Soler with the impressive pass through the gap, again. 

A great performance this evening. 

Nathan Jacobs12 December 2018 21:09

Lato replaced by Garay for Valencia.

Nathan Jacobs12 December 2018 21:10

In the midst of the early drama, Rojo has been replaced by Ashley Young.

Nathan Jacobs12 December 2018 21:14

Manchester United will need a miracle to finish top of the group now, but if we're al being realistic, they really don't deserve to win it anyway. 

Tonight's performance has so far been truly truly horrible. 

Nathan Jacobs12 December 2018 21:15

53 mins: CHANCE CITY! 

Really end to end game at the Etihad as City and Hoffenheim are both doing their bit to grab another goal. 

It's a really entertaining spectacle and Jesus has the most recent chance of the game, beating the defenders at the byline and sending in a weird shot from a tight angle that almost gives City the lead.

Nathan Jacobs12 December 2018 21:16

55 mins: CHANCE CITY! 

It should be 2-1 but they somehow confuse themselves and miss. 

Sterling, Sane and Silva combine on the counter attack and are clear, 3 on 1 but they try and pass it in to the goal and by the end, Silva's shot is blocked for a corner. 

Crazy play and Guardiola has his head in his hands.

Nathan Jacobs12 December 2018 21:18

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