Manchester United faced Valencia under the lights of Mestalla Stadium in an attempt to gain momentum. Jose Mourinho started the game consisting players with low game-time and rested his preferred starters for upcoming game against Liverpool. More than half of them did not visit Spain.
The hosts marshalled their troop with dominance causing Antonio Valencia to be booked in 10th minute and few minutes later taking the lead. It was Carlos Soler with his swift volley who swept through the legs of Eric Bailly into the far post. A wonderfully crafted goal with a sublime finish gave the home team an upper-hand.
Sergio Romero was the more tested keeper with Valecia’s Domenech having no threats in first half. The goalkeeper did not make any save in the first half with no shots coming his way. The teams went in to dressing room with Valencia in a goal lead.
Teams entered second half with Mourinho bringing in Young in place of Rojo to strengthen his side. Instead, the Red Devils made a worse start than first conceding an own goal in 46th minute. Phil Jones, the culprit who had to commit a dive outside the box due to incoming threat from Batshuayi.
The home side promised consistent dominance from the start which made Jose bring on his A player, Marcus Rashford. The Englishman was apart from rest, bringing pace and handling possession. The English talisman did score a goal in the 86th minute which proved to be only a consilation.
A result which if United fancied themselves of winning would have made them top the lead after Young Boys caused an upset against Juventus.
