Jose Mourinho explains substitute decisions in Manchester United defeat to Basel

Jose Mourinho admits his substitutions did not go according to plan in Manchester United's chastening Champions League defeat to Basel.

United dominated the opening 45 minutes at St. Jakob-Park on Wednesday (22 November) with Romelu Lukaku and Marouane Fellaini among those to miss golden opportunities to give their side the lead. United wilted dramatically in the second-half however and were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal with Michael Lang securing a last minute winner.

Paul Pogba, who returned after a three-month injury layoff with a goal and an assist against Newcastle United on Saturday, was replaced by Nemanja Matic after 66 minutes. United lost control of the contest following the midfielder's withdrawal, with the decision to take off Anthony Martial also raising a few eyebrows after the France international's bright performance.

Martial was replaced by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was making his second appearance of the bench following his return from a long-term knee injury, with Mourinho believing he needed the Swede's presence to retain possession.

But the United boss admits he decision to replace Pogba with Matic did not have the desired effect. "Did Pogba coming off have an impact on the team? I think it did have an impact, we were not such a good team after Paul came off but it had to be with the levels of fatigue after 65 minutes," Mourinho said.

"I brought to the pitch an experienced player like Matic and thought it couldn't affect the game. I bring Marcus [Rashford] to give us more speed, more problems to them, Zlatan to hold the ball and the approach was good."

Despite defeat in Switzerland, United are still on course to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League. Only a six-goal defeat at home to CSKA Moscow in the final round of games in two weeks will jeopardise that, with a draw against the Russians enough to seal top spot.