Manchester United eased back into Champions League life as Marouane Fellaini, Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford wreaked havoc upon FC Basel.
Last season was just the second time in over two decades that Manchester United had been without a place at the top table, but their Europa League triumph in May brought a return. They wasted no time in registering a straightforward victory, much to the delight of the home crowd.
The only negative on the Reds’ emphatic return will be an injury picked up by Paul Pogba, who was left clutching his hamstring barely 20 minutes into his first game as captain. Fellaini came on for the Frenchman and headed to give United a well-deserved lead during a first half.
Basel have been unbeaten on their two previous visits to Old Trafford but the Swiss champions looked much weaker on Tuesday. Lukaku’s first goal in the Champions League group stage early in the second half put United in total control, with Rashford netting his first goal in the competition later. THT takes a look at some of the best tweets.
Ashley Young assists Fellaini…
Four words I did not expect to say tonight ?#MUNBAS pic.twitter.com/zHVzTKEjwD— BenchWarmers ⚽️ (@BeWarmers) September 12, 2017
FT #MUFC 3 FC Basel 0
Comfortable win ? could have easily been 5 or 6 nil. Only downside is the Pogba injury. Hope he's back soon?#MUNBAS pic.twitter.com/DXEVyU7tEw
— Man United Broadcast (@Rio_F79) September 12, 2017
WHEN YOU SCORE YOUR FIRST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GOAL FOR UNITED ?#MUFC #MUNBAS pic.twitter.com/gZBIlU5zt0
— Full Time DEVILS (@FullTimeDEVILS) September 12, 2017
Fellaini will be coming on for Pogba. Doesn't look good for Paul. Went down with no one near him. #MatchdayMac #MUFC #MUNBAS
— Full Time DEVILS (@FullTimeDEVILS) September 12, 2017
? Lukaku's goals…
– United debut
– Premier League debut
– Champions League debut
QUALITY#MUNBAS pic.twitter.com/lowiOq1hgs
— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) September 12, 2017
4 – Marcus Rashford is the 4th English teenager to score a #UCL goal for @ManUtd after David Beckham, Wayne Rooney & Phil Jones. Fresh. pic.twitter.com/3u3Ergj5wd
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 12, 2017
David de Gea has kept his 100th clean sheet for Manchester United. Well deserved. ?? pic.twitter.com/QMsDWuGEJT
— United Peoples TV (@UnitedPeoplesTV) September 12, 2017
6⃣ games
6⃣ goals@RomeluLukaku9 ??? pic.twitter.com/0HjH1vuEJ8— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 12, 2017
Manchester United looked emphatic on their Champions League return. Plenty of chances created and a robust second-choice defence. Positive!
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) September 12, 2017
Manchester United in 17/18:
5 games
4 wins
1 draw
15 goals scored
2 conceded
??❤️— Scotty T. ?? (@ScottTridge) September 12, 2017
While people were happy about the performance in general, several fans were quick to point out that Marouane Fellaini will always be an important player for the club.
Fellaini is a tactical weapon. Not a footballer.
— Adam (@DeGeaoIogy) September 12, 2017
So Fellaini is 4 goals away from equalling Eden Hazard's Champions league goal tally. ???
— Danny Welbeck (@WelBeast) September 12, 2017
Man Utd's last two goals at Old Trafford in European competition:
Marouane Fellaini ⚽️
Marouane Fellaini ⚽️Mourinho's favourite. ? pic.twitter.com/rT04uxVXja
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 12, 2017
Marouane Fellaini has been fantastic since coming on for Paul Pogba. Ran the game with ease. Maestro.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) September 12, 2017
I used to groan at the sight of @Fellaini but he is one of the most improved players under Mourinho. Well done to him ??
— SCHOLES (@iamscholes) September 12, 2017
I once disliked Fellaini, but he's proving to be the go to get man when other options has failed. He hasn't let us down yet. ???
— ??? (@Nazygold2) September 12, 2017
Marouane Fellaini is my MOTM. Has been outstanding, both while defending and going forward. His goal changed the game. #MUFC #UCL #Basel
— Naveen Ullal (@UllalIBT) September 12, 2017
However, the only dampener from the night will be the injury sustained by Paul Pogba.
Shout out to Paul Pogba for sacrificing himself for the team and letting Fellaini play to ensure the win.
— Sam Homewood (@SamHomewood) September 12, 2017
Pogba hamstring? Lucky Herrera and Matic are the 2nd and 3rd best CMs in the league.
— Oscar (@Reunewal) September 12, 2017
Paul Pogba limps off – hamstring injury – certain to miss this weekends game against Everton. #MUFC
— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) September 12, 2017
Jose Mourinho said he doesn't know severity of Pogba's hamstring injury but he's just been in the tunnel on crutches. Doesn't look good.
— Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonESPN) September 12, 2017
Pogba is on crutches pic.twitter.com/EzPxGOMQaM
— Enda Higgins (@endahiggins88) September 12, 2017