MAN UNITED 2, SL BENFICA 0
Spluttering Manchester United need just a point to top their group after effectively qualifying for the knockout phase of the Champions League, but it was a night that could easily have turned out to be a Halloween horror show against Benfica.
The Reds, who maintained their perfect record from four games, were far from convincing against the Portuguese side who can count themselves desperately unlucky to lose.
United prevailed through an own goal from Belgium keeper Mile Svilar – he also did the same in the first game which was crucial as it was 1-0 – and penalty from Daley Blind having earlier had a spot kick from Anthony Martial saved.
Lack-lustre United lived dangerously as Benfica struck the upright and also forced a couple of splendid saves from David De Gea.
The victory leaves United needing one point from their two remaining group A games to guarantee top spot and a favourable draw in the last 16 when they will have to perform as a higher level if they are to progress even further.
United manager Jose Mourinho admitted it was a difficult game and the result was probably not a fair reflection off the game.
Mourinho also cleared up the mystery why Romelu Lukaku was overlooked for the second penalty as he was ordered to hand over the ball to Blind.
He said: “I am paid to make decisions, good and bad. It was bad in the first half when the player (Martial) missed.
“He was our penalty taker, but wasn’t even on the field when we got the second. Romelu wanted the responsibilty and he had the personality to take it as did Herrera.
“Based on training in the last few days, I took the decision and the players respected it.”
Mourinho says he does not know the importance of finishing first in the group.
He explained: “Sometimes group winners have difficult draws against second-placed teams and those who finish second get a team that was not expected to be first.
“We have maximum points, but not won the group yet and still need a result.
“We will try and win the next two games and finish with 18 points which would be nice as last time we were in the Champions League we were third in our group and went out.
“On our return to the competition, it would be nice to go through with 18 points.”
United made six changes from the side that beat Spurs on Sunday, evidently with Sunday’s game at Chelsea in mind, with Gea, Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling, Nemanja Matic and Lukaka the players to retain their places.
There was a first Champions League start for Scott McTominay and recalls for Matteo Darmian, Blind, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Martial.
The players to lose out were Antonio Valencia, Phil Jones, Ashley Young, Ander Herrera, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Marcus Rashford.
United wasted a glorious chance to take the lead after quarter of an hour when they won a lucky penalty when Martial tumbled over Douglas as the defender slipped.
Benfica will claim justice as 18-year-old keeper Svilar made a super stop low to his right to turn Martial’s spot kick round the post for a corner.
The Portuguese side then would have snatched the lead minutes later but for De Gea’s brilliant save to turn Diego Goncalves’ shot away as it arrowed towards the top corner.
Lukaku had two decent chances, a shot that took a deflection and forced Svilar to make a smart save at his near post and then a header that went narrowly over.
United made the breakthrough at a perfect time – on the stroke of half time – though they enjoyed a huge slice of good fortune.
Matic’s drive from 30 yards struck the upright and rebounded into the net off the back of Svilar who had the misfortune of scoring own goals in both games against United.
And in stoppage time, Lukaku almost made it 2-0 when he burst through on goal only for Svilar to brilliantly divert the striker’s shot away for a corner.
United made a change at the restart as Mkhitaryan replaced Lingard who was elbowed in the ribs in the opening period and was clearly struggling.
Benfica remained a threat as Goncalves waltzed round Smalling before forcing a fine save from De Gea low to his right.
United had an almighty let off midway through the half following a calamitous piece of defending.
Bailly’s cross-defence pass to Smalling was intercepted by Raul Jimenez who was clean through only to hit the upright when he ought to have equalised.
Mourinho quickly made a second change as Mata was replaced by Herrera. Then with 15 minutes left Martial made way for Rashford.
Rashford had not been on the field for two minutes when he was brought down by Andreas Samaris after making a mazy run through on goal.
After much deliberation Lukaku made way for Blind who made no mistake from the spot to finally see off spirited Benfica.