Football
Rob Dawson, Correspondent 6y

Manchester United staying upbeat despite Basel UCL setback - Blind

Daley Blind has said Manchester United's confidence will not be knocked by their last-gasp Champions League defeat at Basel.

United missed the chance to secure top spot in their group and book a place in the knockout stages after a shock 1-0 defeat at St Jakob-Park.

Jose Mourinho's team are still on course to qualify, and it would take a heavy defeat in their final game against CSKA Moscow to stop them.

Blind admitted the result in Switzerland was a blow, but said United would bounce back quickly.

He told MUTV: "You are always disappointed when you lose, and especially in the last minute.

"Especially in the first half, we did well. Second half they create chances but not very big ones, more long shots. It is a pity that it goes in in the last minute.

"Of course we want to win every game. We know how the positions are in the group.

"We're still on top but we must be aware -- but we don't panic. We have to be ready in the next game.

"We train hard and prepare ourselves like we always do. I think there is a lot of confidence in the group, and this will not change that."

One positive for Mourinho was Marcos Rojo's comeback after seven months out with a knee injury.

Rojo, who looked assured on his return, was joined in the second half by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is also coming back from a long injury layoff.

United face nine games in December, including the last Champions League group game against CSKA at Old Trafford.

And Blind believes Rojo and Ibrahimovic have returned just in time, adding: "I am very happy for them.

"I think we have a very big squad. Everyone is ready and wants to play.

"It is good because there is a very busy period coming up, so everybody needs to be sharp and ready. We will need everyone."

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