Manchester United edged a 1-0 win at Benfica to make it three wins out of three in their Champions League group on Wednesday night.
Marcus Rashford’s free-kick into the box in the 64th minute was carried over the line by 18-year-old Mile Svilar, the youngest ever goalkeeper to feature in the Champions League.
Luisao was given his marching orders late on for a second booking as well.
Here, we focus on Nemanja Matic’s performance.
BASIC STATS
Shots –2
Shots on target – 1
Pass Accuracy – 90.6%
Touches – 103
Passes – 85
Key passes – 0
Aerials won – 2
Interceptions – 1
Dribbles – 3
Dispossessed – 1
EFFECTIVENESS
It was another underwhelming display from United after their drab 0-0 at Anfield but Nemanja Matic can take pride in his individual display as he hardly put a foot wrong in midfield.
The visitors had the lion’s share of possession and the Serbian was central to that, registering the most passes on the night.
He laid the building blocks for every United move forward and had a couple of attempts at goal himself, forcing a save from Mile Svilar in the first half.
Matic was solid as ever defensively as well, making four tackles.
KEY MOMENTS
36th min: United start to put more pressure on Benfica and Matic drives into the box and drills a low effort at goal which is parried away.
58th min: Matic has time on the ball and unleashes a rocket from range. It’s a good strike but always rising and fizzes over the bar.
VERDICT
It was another good performance from a player who is proving to be United’s most consistent this season. While he did dominate the middle of the park with his passing, tackles and positioning, he doesn’t possesses the same spark that Paul Pogba does in order to force jolt United into life.