Rashford's goal for Man United against Burton Albion
Marcus Rashford scored the winner, with his free-kick being carried over the line by young Benfica goalkeeper Mile Svilar.
United were again insipid, with their turgid display reminscient of the days of Louis van Gaal.
However, speaking after the game, Neville praised Rashford - because he was the only player who looked like scoring.
"Professional job done.," he told the BBC. "A really good away performance.
"They've dominated the second half. This Benfica side is not as good as the Benfica sides in years gone by but they were really dogged and determined.
"So it was a really good away performance by Jose Mourinho and his side.
"It never looked in real doubt the result, they never looked like conceding.
"In Marcus Rashford they had the one player who looked like he could score the goal and he did."
Another person full of praise for Rashford was Arsenal legend Ian Wright.
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Benfica 0-1 Manchester United: Marcus Rashford delivered for Jose Mourinho
Like Neville, he thought the England international was the standout player on the pitch.
"I saw a very organised Manchester United and Marcus Rashford trying to get forward and make a difference," he said.
Manchester United now have three wins from three in Europe.
It is a stark contrast to their last Champions League campaign, where they finished third in a group consisting of Wolfsburg, PSV Eindhoven and CSKA Moscow.
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