Steven Gerrard: ‘Average’ Man United deserved 1-0 loss at Basel
The Liverpool legend delivers a withering assessment of Manchester United's performance at Basel
Steven Gerrard branded Manchester United as “average” following a limp 1-0 loss to Basel in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
The Red Devils made the trip to Switzerland knowing that a point would be sufficient to secure a place in the last 16 following four straight Champions League group-stage victories.
Manchester United warmed up for the European clash with a 4-1 win over Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Saturday evening and were bolstered by the return of Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The 20-time English champions failed to take their first-half chances and Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini hit the woodwork following Anthony Martial’s cross.
Marcos Rojo started his first game of the 2017-18 season on Wednesday night and the Argentina international produced a what seemed like a match-saving tackle to deny Dimitri Oberlin.
However, Manchester United were punished for a poor performance when Basel forward Michael Lang finished past Red Devils number two Sergio Romero in the final minute of normal time.
Former Liverpool captain Gerrard felt that Manchester United were poor in Switzerland and deserved to lose their penultimate Champions League group-stage game.
“In the second half Basel were much the better team,” Gerrard told BT Sport.
“I thought Manchester United were very average if not poor in the second half. They got what they deserved.”
Manchester United will need to avoid a 7-0 loss in their final Champions League game against CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford to secure their progression.
