UEFA Champions League: Manchester United Almost Through To Knockouts

Manchester United edged closer to securing a spot in the UEFA Champions League knockout stage after recording a 2-0 win over Benfica at Old Trafford.

United were awarded a penalty after 13 minutes when Anthony Martial was brought down. Martial stepped up but saw his spot-kick saved by Mile Svilar.

David De Gea was called into action a few minutes later, as he produced a stunning save to keep out Goncalves's powerful strike.

United continued to dominate the possession, and Romelu Lukaku went close after 30 minutes as his low strike was tipped away by Svilar.

The Red Devils eventually broke the deadlock just before the halftime break as Nemanja Matic's shot crashed off the upright and went in off Svilar, who was credited with the own goal, 1-0.

After a quiet start to the half, De Gea came to United's rescue on the hour mark as pulled off a superb save to keep out Goncalves' low strike.

 Benfica went agonisingly close to equalising in the 65th minute as Raul Jimenez pounced on Eric Bailly's poor back pass before rattling the upright with De Gea well beaten. The Red Devils were then awarded a penalty after 77 minutes when Marcus Rashford was brought down.

Daley Blind stepped up this time and made no mistake from the spot, 2-0. Benfica enjoyed a lot of the ball in the closing stages of the half but they failed to bypass the United defence as the score remained 2-0 at the full-time whistle.