Champions League - Man United 0 Valencia 0 - Match Report
The pressure mounts on Jose Mourinho as a lackluster Manchester United draw 0-0 with Valencia
Mitch Freeley
Manchester United have now gone four games without a win in all competitions following Tuesday's 0-0 Champions League draw with Valencia at Old Trafford.
Fresh from a humbling week in which they exited the EFL Cup to Derby County and lost 3-1 to West Ham in the Premier League, Jose Mourinho's side produced another lifeless display in their second continental game of the season.
Just five shots on target being mustered between the two sides over whole match underlined the lack of quality from an attacking standpoint, with United again unable to get the best out of Alexis Sanchez, restored to the starting line-up after being dropped at the weekend.
The result means the Red Devils are second in Group H, two points behind Juventus and three above third-place Valencia, but the manner of the display will do little to ease the pressure on their under-fire manager, with Marcus Rashford's late free-kick the closest they game to a winner.
Goals/ Highlights
86- The best change United have had tonight! Marcus Rashford clips the top of the crossbar with a free-kick!
76- Alexis Sanchez makes way, I'm really scraping the barrel for highlights here.
61- It's been a long time coming. Pogba's freekick stings the hands of Neto, and not in a good way. Still 0-0
Live Updates!
Preamble!
Now for Valencia- Guedes starts on the wing, he could be one to watch out for. Michy Batshuayi starts with Rodrigo upfront!
🔥 Amunt, Valencia!!! Nuestro XI inicial para el #MUFCVCF! 🔥#YoCreoEnEsteEquipo
⤵ pic.twitter.com/YnqdIYot0r — Valencia CF 🦇💯 (@valenciacf) October 2, 2018
Team News! First up, Man United! Alexis returns to the side, Paul Pogba keeps his place in the team. No room for Scott McTominay.
Tonight's #UCL team news is in! #MUFC pic.twitter.com/CXue0os6Hz — Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 2, 2018
Hello! Welcome to the Live Updates of Manchester United Vs Valencia! Will this be the last dance of Jose Mourinho? The pressure is on the Portuguese coach following four successive defeats in all competitions. With grumbles behind the scenes can Valencia take advantage? We should find out in a few hours time. Join me for live commentary, Video Highlights and the movements of Mourinho all on the live blog!
Preview
Manchester United will be looking to avoid a third consecutive defeat in all competitions when they welcome Valencia to Old Trafford on Tuesday evening. United are currently sitting top of their Champions League group H thanks to a 3-0 win over Young Boys. It will be interesting to see if under fire boss Jose Mourinho can get a reaction from his side. As ever, you can watch all the action on beIN SPORTS CONNECT.
It’s safe to say that third season syndrome with Jose Mourinho has well and truly hit Manchester United. Last time out the Red Devils looked disjointed and out of sorts as they sputtered to a 3-1 league defeat to West Ham. Much has been made of the breakdown in the relationship between Paul Pogba & Mourinho, with the World Cup winner being hauled off last weekend at the London stadium.
In team news, Mourinho has a fully fit team to choose from but everyone will be wondering what formation the Portuguese coach will employ. A new look 3-5-2 with Scott McTominay in defence and Anthony Martial alongside Lukaku against West Ham was a definitive failure which could see Mourinho revert to a back four. Also, question marks remain on Alexis Sanchez who was left out of the side completely against the Hammers.
Key Man
After an encouraging cameo from the bench against West Ham along with scoring a goal to get his side back into the contest, Marcus Rashford could be in line for a start on Tuesday evening. The tricky winger is likely to be utilized in a 4-3-3 and will be charged with troubling Valencia as United look to set the tempo in the game.
Manchester United Predicted Team- De Gea, Shaw, Lindelof, Smalling, Valencia, Fred, Matic, Fellaini, Rashford, Pogba, Lukaku
Kick-Off- 22:55
Channel- 11 HD
Online- beIN SPORTS CONNECT
Stadium- Old Trafford
Valencia will be heading to Old Trafford with the hope of coming away with a favourable result against Manchester United. Marcelino’s side has made a slow start to the season, only registering two wins in all competitions so far. Encouragingly, they picked up their latest win over the weekend, with a strike from Kevin Gamero giving Valencia a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad.
Attacking midfielder Santi Mina is the only injury doubt for the Spaniards, who will look to play in a 4-4-2 formation.
Key Man
French midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia could have a crucial role to play if Valencia is to come away with a famous victory. The former Inter Milan player made his loan move permanent in the summer, signing with the club till 2022. Kondogbia has been a mainstay in the side this season, the no-nonsense midfielder the perfect link man between defence and attack. His matchup against Paul Pogba will be one to watch out for.
Valencia Predicted Team- Neto - Piccini, Gabriel, Murillio, Gaya - Soler, Parejo, Kondogbia, Cheryshev- Batshuayi, Gameiro
It certainly promises to be an interesting encounter Manchester United take on Valencia at Old Trafford. You can watch all the action on 11 HD & beIN SPORTS CONNECT.
