Manchester United will have to wait to progress to the Champions League following a late winner for Basel on Wednesday night.
United already had 12 points from their first four games in the group, usually enough to secure a spot in the last 16. A point in Switzerland would’ve guaranteed progression, but after squandering a host of good first half chances, Basel grew into the game after the break, eventually finding a 90th minute winner through Michael Lang.
Speaking on BT Sport after the game, former United defender Rio Ferdinand criticised the players’ lack of professionalism in the second half.
“It’s what you wouldn’t really associate with a Jose Mourinho team, and that’s lacking professionalism,” he told Gary Lineker.
“Second half, they lacked discipline. How many times did wave and wave of attack get in beyond the Manchester United midfield?
“It just wasn’t good enough second half.”
❌ Lacking professionalism
❌ Lacking discipline@rioferdy5 says Manchester United were not good enough in the second half. pic.twitter.com/gtbK8pPy2W— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 22, 2017
United now face CSKA Moscow in their final match of the group. Should they avoid a four-goal defeat, qualification is guaranteed.
