Old Trafford great game Man United 3-3 Basel
Manchester United and Basel gave an incredible game on Old Trafford finished with 3-3 draw. The Swiss champion was very close to making a fantastic turnaround against finalists from last season's Champions League and minutes before the end led with 3-2.
Two quick-fire first-half goals from Danny Welbeck had given last year’s finalists a healthy cushion at the interval, but the Swiss outfit had missed several opportunities to close the gap against a poor United defence.
But two second-half goals from Alexander Frei, and one from his namesake Fabian, were just reward for a side who are fourth in their national league and are unbeaten in their opening two Group C fixtures.
But just as it looked like they were set to see out what would have been one of the most incredible away wins ever seen at Old Trafford, which would have put them five points ahead of last year’s Champions League runners-up, Young popped up to head home Nani’s cross and spare his side’s blushes.
The hosts made a total of four changes from the side that drew 1-1 at Stoke at the weekend, with Welbeck getting his first start since returning from injury ahead of Dimitar Berbatov, as Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and Fabio also got their chance in the starting XI.
And Ferguson said after the match: ''I think we were careless. It's a wake-up call in many ways. A lack of concentration saw us give the game away really but we rescued it.
''To concede three goals at home, the defence and midfield have to be better than that in terms of concentration. If you lapse, the quality of the Champions League can make you suffer.''
''I don't think it was a penalty. You can see quite clearly that Valencia won the ball. It's a poor decision. The referee kept getting in the way of the game. I think he wanted to play. But what can you do?''
On two-goal Welbeck, Ferguson added: ''He tired a bit in the second half but it was difficult to take him off. If we'd been in a better position we'd have probably taken him off.''
On two-goal Welbeck, Ferguson added: ''He tired a bit in the second half but it was difficult to take him off. If we'd been in a better position we'd have probably taken him off.''
Basle coach Thorsten Fink - who was a player for Bayern Munich when they were beaten by United in the 1999 Champions League final - said: "It was a great result for us - I don't imagine many teams go two goals down here and then turn the game around. It was a great achievement.
"It was a great game for the fans, I think we were rather nervous in the first half but we settled down after the break and were able to take some chances.
"We deserved at least to draw and as a coach it feels good to come to a club like Manchester United and get such a result.
"The final in 1999 was more of a negative experience and I'm glad my team is able to celebrate tonight.''
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