UCL 2017/18: Benfica 0-1 Manchester United, 5 talking points

On another exciting Champions League night in Europe, a not so thrilling game involving Manchester United and Benfica ended 1-0 in the favour of Red Devils. Although 19-year-old Marcus Rashford scored a free-kick from 40 yards, he owes a big time thanks to young Mile Svilar, who carried the ball with him beyond the goal line.

Although Mourinho might be relieved to scrap a win and bag the three points, the Portuguese will need to address some issues when United face the Portuguese champions in the return leg at Old Trafford.

Here are the major talking points from the clash.

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#5 A disappointing first half

United had an unimpressive first half

To tell the truth, Manchester United didn't put in a much-improved performance compared to their below-par display against Liverpool at the weekend. On paper, the Red Devils were outright favourites to win and they did bow out with three points, but the home side rose magnificently to the challenge of facing the United.

On many occasions, Benfica's fluence in attacks seemed to trouble United as they failed to establish a grip on the game. Mourinho made four changes from the game at Anfield but they failed to deliver the expected results in terms of performance.

Jose Mourinho's 4-1-4-1 setup failed to bring out positive football and after the swash-buckling start, the club have managed just one goal in the last two games.

While Victor Lindelof returned to his former home for the first time after his switch to Old Trafford, the bittersweet day for him ended in a lucky escape as United boasted with three points at the end.

#4 The promise of Mile Svilar

Mile Svilar showed a promise albeit he committed the error that led to a gaol

Out of the eleven men that took to the ground to face Manchester United, it was the biggest occasion for a young Mile Svilar who lined up as an eighteen-year-old starter against the mighty Red Devils.

The Belgian youngster became the youngest Champions League debutant after breaking the record for the youngest goalkeeper to play in the competition set by Iker Casillas back in September 1999.

The pressure was immense on his budding shoulders with the prospect of facing a big team like United in the Champions League for a debut. But, Svilar raised eyebrows after dashing out to meet Victor Lindelof's cross to Romelu Lukaku outside the penalty box. That was followed by a string of impressive saves as United laboured hard to find the back of the net.

The pressure finally took its toll on the young keeper when he carried a 40-yard Marcus Rashford free-kick with him beyond the goal line. Though it cost Benfica three points, manager Rui Vitoria must be happy with the overall performance by the Belgian shot-stopper.

Albeit it was a night Svilar would like to forget, the youngster did give the United attackers quite a hard time before they took the lead. On United's part, Romelu Lukaku and David De Gea showed good spirit after they were seen consoling him as the final whistle went off.

It might not be a dream debut, but definitely, it was a promising one.

#3 Mourinho has too many absentees

Rashford's injury is a big concern for Mourinho

After scoring the only goal of the fixture, Englishman Marcus Rashford was forced out due to injury, much to the dismay of Jose Mourinho. Although Anthony Martial is in line to replace him on the flank, wouldn't it be good to continue the competition between them?

United already have a long list with Paul Poba, Marcos Rojo, Michael Carrick, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marouane Fellaini being sidelined and Rashford's addition hasn't made things easier for them. Also, Eric Bailly and Phil Jones are facing a battle to be fit causing Chris Smalling to partner Victor Lindelof in the defence against Benfica.

With Benfica making a return to Old Trafford during the next Champions League matchday, United also face two major challenges with Tottenham and Chelsea in successive weeks. The two clashes hold paramount importance in Mourinho's bid to outclass Guardiola at the top of the table.

With City firing on all fronts, the Red Devils need their best players fit and in form, should they try to usurp the no.1 position from their bitter rivals.

#2 Benfica in trouble

Rui Vitoria is under immense pressure at Benfica

Albeit the Portuguese champions did give United a run for the victory, pressure seems to be mounting for Rui Vitoria at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon.

Benfica have overseen an unexpectedly disappointing to the start of the season. A string of unimpressive results and no consistency has seen Rui Vitoria's side clinging to the third position and five points behind FC Porto.

The fixture against Manchester United came at a wrong time as the Portuguese side looked to find stability after their disappointing start. Although they performed well compared to their 5-0 thrashing by Basel, the Portuguese champions failed to grab any points from the fixture.

They haven't done well in the Champions League either. Following their loss to Manchester United, Benfica are currently fourth after losing all three fixtures and at looking out of the exit door.

It remains a must for Rui Vitoria's men to buck up and find form and win the remaining fixtures, so as to have hopes of qualifying for the Round of 16.

#1 Manchester United continue their impressive unbeaten run

United need to be consistent on their flying start

Much opposite of the woes Benfica are facing in the competition, Jose Mourinho's men have announced their return to the Champions League with an impressive start. The Red Devils won their first two games for the first time since the 2012-13 season and continued their form by adding a third win and topping the Group A.

To announce themselves as serious contenders for Champions League title, Manchester United must continue to revel in the competition, regardless the injuries they are currently battling.

Although Mourinho's defensive approach in the management has been criticised, it has certainly churned out the results.

Albeit defence might be a crucial aspect of his game, the Portuguese mastermind still needs to ponder over United's ability to kill games and be more offensive against big clubs. Should United add another bit of ruthlessness in their attack, the Red Devils are certainly in for a trophy-laden season at Old Trafford.