Mason Greenwood scored a spectacular goal as Manchester United drew 1-1 with Young Boys at Old Trafford in their Group F finale.
Despite Ralf Rangnick making 11 changes to the team that beat Crystal Palace last weekend, the Red Devils got off to a flying start as Greenwood volleyed stylishly inside the near post after Shaw had sent the ball into the middle.
However, the visitors equalised three minutes before half-time as Fabian Rieder pounced on a loose pass before bending a sweet strike into the top corner, leaving Dean Henderson with no chance.
The second half lacked the energy of the first, although Young Boys looked the more dangerous of the two sides, but they were ultimately unable to find a winner.
Greenwood gave United the lead in the ninth minute with a fabulous, acrobatic finish into the bottom-left corner from Shaw’s left-wing cross.
The hosts were lively throughout the first half and Greenwood burst down the left before pulling back for Juan Mata, but the Spaniard’s well-struck, deflected effort was kept out superbly by Guillaume Faivre.
But Young Boys drew level with a fantastic goal of their own through Rieder, who picked off a pass in the United third and curled a stunning strike from the edge of the box into the top-right corner.
The visitors then went close to taking the lead on the stroke of half-time as Michel Aebischer lashed a low shot across goal that Eric Bailly did well not to turn into his own net.
Young Boys pushed for a winner in the second half and had a glorious opportunity to put themselves ahead when Quentin Maceiras somehow fired wide after being found in space in the box by Silvan Hefti.
What does it mean? Rangnick rings changes as Young Boys finish bottom
United came into the game guaranteed to finish first in the group, so Rangnick’s decision to change his entire starting XI for his second game in charge was not that much of a surprise. Whether this early experiment helps him find his best formula a successful second half of the season remains to be seen.
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Young Boys required a victory to stand a chance of continuing their European campaign but could not find that crucial second goal.
Greenwood breaks Rashford’s record
Greenwood’s superb opening strike was his eighth goal in major European competition (excluding qualifiers) for United, the most of any player for the club before their 21st birthday, overtaking Marcus Rashford.
Red Devils’ defensive difficulties continue
United have now failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last five Champions League group stage matches at Old Trafford, their longest run without a home shutout at this stage of the competition.
What’s next?
United face Norwich City at Carrow Road in Premier League action next on Saturday, while Young Boys host Sion in the Swiss Super League.
