Romelu Lukaku may have showed his class by consoling Benfica’s young goalkeeper after Manchester United’s Champions League victory in Lisbon, but Paul Scholes could not resist the urge to take a sly swipe at the Belgian striker.
Teenage stopper Mile Svilar made his Champions League debut for the Portuguese outfit and became the competition’s youngest goalkeeper at 18 years and 52 days.
After making a bright start to the fixture, the Belgian starlet ultimately has a night to forget against Jose Mourinho’s United as he was at fault for United’s only goal as Marcus Rashford caught him off guard when taking a long-range free-kick.
Svilar was clearly distraught after the match and gestured an apology to the home crowd – moments later Lukaku approached his compatriot to offer him his support.
Scholes admitted it was a nice gesture from Lukaku but the Manchester United legend could not help but aim a subtle dig at the striker for his subdued performance in Lisbon.
‘That’s probably the closest Lukaku got to him all night to be fair,’ Scholes told BT Sport.
‘Lukaku is a nice lad, he’s probably just given him some encouragement. Hopefully he can bounce back.’
Former Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard, meanwhile, criticised Benfica manager Rui Vitoria for exposing Svilar against Premier League giants United.
‘The mistakes will overshadow all the good bits he did out there,’ Gerrard said. ‘Everyone will be talking about this mistake but it’s about the manager.
‘The manager has stitched him up when he’s not ready for Champions League football.’
After their Champions League victory, United now turn their attentions back to domestic action and a trip to Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
MORE : Jose Mourinho provides update on Marcus Rashford injury after Benfica victory
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