Young Boys 0-3 Manchester United: 5 talking points

#3 Young Boys’ finishing scripts their downfall

BSC Young Boys v Manchester United - UEFA Champions League Group H

Young Boys’ game-plan was clear right from kick-off – give United the initiative and seek to catch them on the break. They sat back for large periods to an extent that both their forwards were often seen in their own half, ready to receive a pass in the event of United losing possession. The plan seemed to work, except that the final product was non-existent throughout the game. They can be credited for doing the basics of counter-attacking right – use the fullbacks to exploit the space left by the opposition fullbacks who went on the offensive, tease retreating United defenders with long passes towards either of the forwards and finally approach the box with an intent to shoot.

Had their finishing been as clinical as the build-up, one might have witnessed a result different from the actual 3-0 scoreline. David de Gea made a few decent saves, but Young Boys needed to make the most of their half-chances against a team of the stature of Manchester United. The finishing from set-pieces was also average, with defender Camara missing the most glaring opportunity by slicing his shot wide of the post from six yards after United failed to clear a Sulejmani corner. The hosts will look at their final ball as a major improvement point as they prepare to give a good account of themselves in a tough Chanmpions League group.