Jose Mourinho hails Mile Svilar as a “phenomenon” after teen ‘keeper’s error costs Benfica
The young goalkeeper was given a start ahead of Julio Cesar in Benfica’s Champions League clash with the Red Devils, which saw him break the record – previously held by Casillas himself – of the youngest-ever goalkeeper to start a European game at 18 years and 52 days, beating the record held by Iker Casillas.
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The game, however, ended 1-0 to United after a costly error by Svilar. The teen ‘keeper misjudged the flight of a swerving Marcus Rashford free-kick and despite managing to catch the ball, the momentum caused him to carry the ball over his own goalline while back-tracking.
It gave United all three points in what had been an even-sided match, allowing them to maintain their 100% start to the Champions League season. It also leaves Benfica bottom of the table without a single point in this season’s competition.
The young goalkeeper was close to tears at full-time and apologised to the fans, who forgave him, and was met with reassuring words from international teammate Romelu Lukaku – though pundit Steven Gerrard later criticised the decision to play such a young player in a game of such magnitude.
Svilar joined Benfica in the summer from Anderlecht for £2.2m, having previously been dubbed “the new Thibaut Courtois” – his arrival came after previous number one Ederson joined Manchester City in the summer.
Despite Svilar’s mistake, Mourinho was keen to praise the young ‘keeper, saying that he believes he has the qualities to make it as a top-class goalie and that he prefers goalkeeper who take risks and don’t stay on their line for the duration of the match.
“I prefer a goalkeeper suffers a goal like this than be on his line for 90 mins,” said Mourinho in his post-match press conference.
“He is a phenomenon, he is amazing. Only great goalkeepers who risk things suffer goals like this. He was unlucky for the goal.
“Either Benfica has a top goalkeeper for many years, or the president should prepare a big suitcase (for all the money).
“I knew how good the goalkeeper was, I told the players that. We had a little bit of a strategy, especially on set-pieces to make him uncomfortable.”
Despite scoring, Rashford gave United a cause for concern when he limped off with a knee injury in the second half and was replaced by Anthony Martial. Up until early in the second half, United had been giving a lukewarm display, casual going forward and causing few problems for the Portuguese home side.
Ex-Benfica midfielder Nemanja Matic forced Svilar into a low save and lashed an effort over the crossbar, as did Henrikh Mkhitaryan – who gave a disappointing, absentee performance – from a promising position.
Manchester United are top of their group, having won all three matches so far, and next face Huddersfield in the Premier League at the weekend.
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