There were mixed emotions for Manchester United on Tuesday night as FC Basel held the hosts to a 3-3 draw.
It all started very easily for Manchester United; they broke the deadlock after only 16 minutes. It came through a fine combination from Antonio Valencia, Michael Owen and Ryan Giggs. Danny Welbeck was left in the box to put the ball past the goal line.
The English youngster doubled his tally a minute later as Manchester United looked sure to triumph on the night. But FC Basel responded well. Within a 2-minute spell after the break, the visitors went leveled.
First, Fabian Frei issued the comeback with a goal from a corner. Alexander Frei was then allowed too much space to make it 2-2.
He didn't fail to head the ball home from an unmarked position. 15 minutes from time, Alexander Frei put his side into the lead through a controversial penalty.
Ashley Young, however, saved Manchester United from an upset with a late equalizer. Reflecting on the draw, Alex Ferguson told the press in a post-match interview:
“We were careless, a lack of concentration killed us. We threw the game away. It was a good performance in the first half but we were left grappling to get a result.
“It's a wake-up call losing three goals at home. The defenders and midfielders have to be better than that.”
Manchester United have now gone 2 games without a win in all competitions. In the English Premier League last weekend, they failed to protect their 1-0 lead away to Stoke City. Nani had scored a wonderful goal in the first period but Peter Crouch’s header in the second half ended Manchester United’s perfect run.
In the UEFA Champions League, the Red Devils are yet to claim a victory. On match-day 1 of the campaign, they only earned a point away to Benfica. Manchester United now seat in third position in Group C. They are 2 points behind FC Basel and the Eagles ahead of their October encounter away to Otelul Galati.
This weekend, Ferguson will lead his team in a home game against Norwich City. Norwich are fresh from 2 consecutive 2-1 wins in the English Premier League. They are 9th in the standings with 8 points whereas Manchester United lead the way with 16 points from a possible 18.
The English youngster doubled his tally a minute later as Manchester United looked sure to triumph on the night. But FC Basel responded well. Within a 2-minute spell after the break, the visitors went leveled.
First, Fabian Frei issued the comeback with a goal from a corner. Alexander Frei was then allowed too much space to make it 2-2.
He didn't fail to head the ball home from an unmarked position. 15 minutes from time, Alexander Frei put his side into the lead through a controversial penalty.
Ashley Young, however, saved Manchester United from an upset with a late equalizer. Reflecting on the draw, Alex Ferguson told the press in a post-match interview:
“We were careless, a lack of concentration killed us. We threw the game away. It was a good performance in the first half but we were left grappling to get a result.
“It's a wake-up call losing three goals at home. The defenders and midfielders have to be better than that.”
Manchester United have now gone 2 games without a win in all competitions. In the English Premier League last weekend, they failed to protect their 1-0 lead away to Stoke City. Nani had scored a wonderful goal in the first period but Peter Crouch’s header in the second half ended Manchester United’s perfect run.
In the UEFA Champions League, the Red Devils are yet to claim a victory. On match-day 1 of the campaign, they only earned a point away to Benfica. Manchester United now seat in third position in Group C. They are 2 points behind FC Basel and the Eagles ahead of their October encounter away to Otelul Galati.
This weekend, Ferguson will lead his team in a home game against Norwich City. Norwich are fresh from 2 consecutive 2-1 wins in the English Premier League. They are 9th in the standings with 8 points whereas Manchester United lead the way with 16 points from a possible 18.
