Benfica vs Manchester United Preview

Benfica could frustrate Manchester United here again as they have done twice before even though they have had a terrible start to the new season in Europe.

Within the last 12 years, they have helped to eliminate Manchester United from this competition twice.

The first time being in December 2005 when they beat the Red Devils 2-1 at home and again in 2011-2012 when they secured two draws to send Manchester United home in the round robin stage.

They have made a terrible start to this season – they were beaten 2-1 at home to CSKA Moscow in their first game before losing 5-0 away to Basel in their second game with right back Hugo Almeida getting sent off meaning he misses this game.

They had just one win in five games before the international break and they might struggle in this game.

Manchester United won their first two group game by 3-0 margins but the Red Devils could be harmed if they underestimate their opponents in this game.

Anthony Martial was instrumental as they humiliated CSKA Moscow in their last away game but the Russians have a backline of ageing players and this game will not be as easy as that for them.

Jose Mourinho started his coaching career here in 2000 and although he lasted a few months and has gone on to build a stellar career, he will be looking to make a good impression in this game.

The Red Devils have won two of their last four away matches against Benfica, drawing one.

Results of each team’s last 5 matches across all leagues and competitions

Benfica

LAST FIVE GAMES						DATE	COMPETITION
D	Maritimo		1-1		Benfica	Oct 1, 2017	Portuguese Liga
L	FC Basel		5-0		Benfica	Sep 27, 2017	Champions League
W	Benfica		2-0		Paços de Ferreira	Sep 23, 2017	Portuguese Liga
L	Boavista		2-1		Benfica	Sep 16, 2017	Portuguese Liga
L	Benfica		1-2		CSKA Moscow	Sep 12, 2017	Champions League

Manchester United 

LAST FIVE GAMES						DATE	COMPETITION
W	Manchester United		4-0		Crystal Palace	Sep 30, 2017	English Premier League
W	CSKA Moscow		1-4		Manchester United	Sep 27, 2017	Champions League
W	Southampton		0-1		Manchester United	Sep 23, 2017	English Premier League
W	Manchester United		4-1		Burton Albion	Sep 20, 2017	English Carabao Cup
W	Manchester United		4-0		Everton	Sep 17, 2017	English Premier League

H2H

LAST FIVE GAMES					DATE	COMPETITION
Manchester United		2-2		Benfica	Nov 22, 2011	Champions League
Benfica		1-1		Manchester United	Sep 14, 2011	Champions League
Manchester United		3-1		Benfica	Dec 6, 2006	Champions League
Benfica		0-1		Manchester United	Sep 26, 2006	Champions League
Benfica		2-1		Manchester United	Dec 7, 2005	Champions League