Manchester United vs Benfica - as it happened: Jose Mourinho's men march past Portuguese visitors
Re-live all the action from Old Trafford
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Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United host Benfica for their fourth Champions League group match on Tuesday night expecting to continue a 100 per cent winning record.
Having clinched a 1-0 victory against the Portuguese champions last time out, United will be seeking their fourth straight win in the competition this season. Another three points here, if CSKA Moscow also fail to beat FC Basel in the evening’s other Group A fixture, would be enough to secure qualification to the last-16 of the competition.
United have reasons to be confident of achieving this feat for the first time since 2013. Although boss Jose Mourinho continues to be hampered by several absences – including Paul Pogba, Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini - Saturday’s solid 1-0 victory against title rivals Tottenham will have reassured that even a weakened XI are still more than capable of grinding out an important result.
On this evidence, and given the importance of United’s trip to Chelsea in the league on Sunday, don’t be surprised if Mourinho rests some other big names for this, comparatively low-pressure, fixture.
Benfica, sitting bottom of Group A after three losses in a row, can only realistically target Europa League qualification from their remaining games. However, with two league wins in the past fortnight, they will be hoping to improve upon their dismal performance against United in Lisbon on 18 October.
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What time does it start?
Manchester United vs Benfica kicks off at 19:45.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on BT Sport 3 from 19:00. Highlights will be shown at 22:15 on BT Sport 2.
It’s a big game for…
Mile Svilar. The promising 18-year old keeper made a nightmarish error to gift United victory two weeks ago, carrying the ball over the line from a Marcus Rashford free kick. Although the visibly-distraught Belgian was comforted by United players after the game on that evening, he will nonetheless be hoping for a better performance at Old Trafford, and is understood to have been given the chance to atone for his errors by Benfica boss Rui Vitoria.
Remember when…
… and that was in December 2005, when United were knocked out away from home by the Portuguese team in the Champions League Round of 16. A certain Cristiano Ronaldo – ex-Sporting Lisbon winger – was retroactively banned for making an offensive gesture towards the home fans.
Player to watch…
Anthony Martial. The mercurial Frenchman has had a mixed start to the season. Although he has the best goals-per-minute ratio of any United player (100), he has only started six games in all competitions. He will be hoping to follow up on his calmly-taken goal against Spurs at the weekend to secure a starting place.
Past three meetings…
Benfica 0 Manchester United 1 (Rashford), October 2017
Manchester United 2 (Berbatov, Fletcher) Benfica 2 (Jones (OG), Aimar), November 2011
Benfica 1 (Cardozo) Manchester United 1 (Giggs), September 2011
Form guide…
Manchester United: WDWLWW
Benfica: WLDLWW
Odds…
Manchester United: 33/100
Benfica: 19/5
Draw: 17/2
In Rome things aren't going well for Chelsea. They are 2-0 down as Stephan El Shaarawy doubles Roma's lead.
The second half is coming up, can Manchester United continue their 19 match unbeaten run at home in European competitions?
Manchester United bring on Henrikh Mkhitaryan at halftime. He replaces Jesse Lingard who has had better nights in a United shirt.
47 mins: Manchester United already look a better side with Henrikh Mkhitaryan playing behind Romelu Lukaku. They're moving the ball faster and with much more purpose than they did in the first half.
50 mins: Manchester United work the ball to Anthony Martial who lays the ball to Juan Mata who shoots over. For the first time, United look in control of this game.
Goal!
Thomas Partey puts Atletico Madrid level against Qarabag in Chelsea's group. Not brilliant news for the Blues.
Elsewhere in Europe
PSG are starting to get into their stride against Anderlecht. Verratti, Neymar and Kurzawa are on the score sheet for the French side.
Celtic are still 1-0 down to Bayern Munich. Coman's early goal could dump the Scottish champions out of the competition.
60 mins: Diogo Gonçalves works himself some space on the edge of the area and fires a low drive towards goal which David De Gea has to tip round the post.
Goal!
Roma 3-0 Chelsea
Oh dear. Diego Perotti passes Pedro and fires in a stunning effort from range. This is a horror show for Chelsea.
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