A night in Champions League history, Cristiano Ronaldo ended in a stunning twist as Young Boys staged a memorable fightback to beat 10-man Manchester United 2-1 in Group F.
United appeared set for a routine victory in Berne when Ronaldo, who had scored twice on his second debut for the club against Newcastle United on Saturday, put them ahead in the 13th minute with the first goal.
But Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s red card late in the first half gave Young Boys hope, which was realised when Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu levelled matters with a 66th-minute strike which resulted to a shocking goal.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men looked set to emerge with a creditable point having defended for close to an hour a man down, yet there was a remarkable late twist as Jesse Lingard misjudged a backpass and Jordan Siebatcheu slotted past David de Gea to secure a famous result for the Swiss side which lead to a stunning shock.
The complexion of the game changed in the 35th minute when referee Francois Letexier had no hesitation in showing Wan-Bissaka a straight red card for going over the top of the ball and catching Christopher Martins Pereira on the ankle.
Jadon Sancho was replaced by Diogo Dalot to fill the void left in Man United’s defence, which coped well until under persistent pressure until Ngamaleu poked home at the near post from Silvan Hefti’s low right-wing delivery.
United appeared poised to escape with a point but Lingard’s loss of composure presented Siebatcheu with a simple finish to send the Wankdorf Stadium into delirium with the final strike.
Young Boys just got reward
Though United had more possession in the first half, Young Boys had more opportunities, tallying eight shots to the visitors’ two shots.
They were dominant in the second half with the extra man, penning United in their own half and attempting a further 11 shots, the last of which saw their energy rewarded with a victory they deserve.
The goal highlights …
What’s next?
United visit West Ham on Sunday in the Premier League, when Young Boys will experience a very different test, a Swiss Cup clash with fifth-tier side Iliria.
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