Manchester United slump to miserable defeat in Valencia and miss golden chance to pinch top spot

Manchester United missed the chance to finish top of their Champions League group as they fell to a dismal 2-1 defeat to Valencia.

Juventus’ shock defeat to Young Boys meant a United victory would have seen them finish top of Group H ahead of Friday's last-16 draw, but this was a poor showing from Jose Mourinho’s men, with many key figures rested for the weekend’s game against Liverpool.

Valencia took the lead after 17 minutes when Carlos Soler found the far corner of the net with a low drive. And the hosts doubled their advantage soon into the second half, with Phil Jones calamitously sending the ball into his own net in a way that summed up United’s display.

Marcus Rashford came off the bench to give United a late lifeline, heading home from an Ashley Young cross, but it wasn’t enough as Valencia held on for a well-earned and warranted win at the Mestalla.

This was a missed opportunity for Manchester United. With Juventus losing away to Young Boys, they could have finished top of the Champions League group with a win. Mourinho’s lineup suggested victory at the Mestalla wasn’t a priority, picking a second string side with the weekend’s trip to Anfield in mind. This was a chance for the likes of Paul Pogba, Fred and Romelu Lukaku to prove that they should start against Liverpool. This performance did nothing to help their case, though.

As a former transfer target, Man Utd should have known all about Soler and the threat he would pose. However, they failed to keep the 21-year-old under wraps. It was Soler’s goal after 17 minutes that set Valencia on their way to all three points, and he could have finished the match with a couple assists too had his teammates (namely Michy Batshuayi) been a little sharper in front of goal. Soler showed Man Utd what they’re missing.

Valencia - Domenech 6, Lato 6, Diakhaby 6, Vezo 6, Piccini 7, Cheryshev 5, Parejo 7, Soler 8, Kondogbia 6, Mina 7, Batshuayi 7. Subs - Garay 5, Rodrigo 5, Torres 5.

Manchester United - Romero 5, Valencia 5, Bailly 5, Jones 3, Rojo 4, Pogba 5, Fellaini 5, Pereira 6, Fred 4, Mata 7, Lukaku 5. Subs - Young 6, Lingard 6, Rashford 8.

12’ Stoppage in play! Valencia has done real damage to Lato here. The young left back is receiving some treatment and you can hear his screams on the TV mics. This might be a bad one. Valencia could have been sent off for that tackle.

17’ GOAL! Valencia 1-0 Manchester United: What a finish! That was a magnificent strike from Soler, who gives Valencia the lead! The clearance landed at the feet of the Valencia man and he found the bottom corner of Romero's net with an exceptional, driven shot. Wonderful.

32’ Chance for Batshuayi! That might have been a second Valencia goal. Batshuayi got on the end of a cross into the penalty box, but he could only succeed in heading over the target.

35’ How did Pogba miss? The flag has spared Pogba's blushes, because he somehow managed to side-foot wide from about four yards out. But the replays show that he was onside!

47’ GOAL! Valencia 2-0 Manchester United: What a calamity for Man Utd and Jones! It was a simple ball through the ball, but Jones gets it all wrong and sends the ball into his own net on the slide. A real lack of communication from the centre back and keeper.

87’ GOAL! Valencia 2-1 Manchester United: A late lifeline for Man Utd! They have three minutes left to find two more goals to finish top of the group. It would be quite the turnaround. Young's cross found Rashford, who heads home from about eight yards out.

89’ MATA... wide! That should have been an equaliser. Pogba scoops a clipped pass over the top for Mata, but with the ball coming over his shoulder he scuffs his finish wide. That was a chance!