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

#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.