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PAUL SCHOLES joked that the closest Romelu Lukaku got to Mile Svilar all night was when he consoled the young Benfica goalkeeper at full-time.

The Manchester United striker endured another frustrating night as Jose Mourinho's men laboured to a 1-0 victory in Lisbon.

 Romelu Lukaku consoles young goalkeeper Mile Svilar after victory
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Romelu Lukaku consoles young goalkeeper Mile Svilar after victoryCredit: Getty
 Manchester United players take time to console Mile Svilar after contest - the teenager made a poor mistake in United's 1-0 win
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Manchester United players take time to console Mile Svilar after contest - the teenager made a poor mistake in United's 1-0 winCredit: Getty

Marcus Rashford scored the only goal — but it came in bizarre circumstances.

Mile Svilar, 18, who was making his debut, carried the England man's free-kick over the line in the second half.

It proved to be the only goal for the young goalkeeper, who beat Iker Casillas' record to become the youngest in Champions League football.

United's players were gracious at full-time as they consoled the youngster following his howler.

 Benfica goalkeeper Mile Svilar takes Marcus Rashford's effort behind the line
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Benfica goalkeeper Mile Svilar takes Marcus Rashford's effort behind the lineCredit: Rex Features
 Benfica goalkeeper Mile Svilar shows his disappointment at conceding
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Benfica goalkeeper Mile Svilar shows his disappointment at concedingCredit: Rex Features

Fellow goalkeeper David de Gea — who knows what it's like to endure difficult moments as a youngster — spoke to Svilar after the game.

But Lukaku spent more time with his fellow countryman.

The duo both started their careers at Anderlecht.

BT Sport presenter Gary Lineker praised the United players for their sportsmanship.


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 Romelu Lukaku congratulates Marcus Rashford after his goal
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Romelu Lukaku congratulates Marcus Rashford after his goalCredit: AP:Associated Press
 Romelu Lukaku was largely restricted to long-range efforts against Benfica
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Romelu Lukaku was largely restricted to long-range efforts against BenficaCredit: Reuters

However, cynical Scholes had a rather different view.

He pointed out the was the nearest Lukaku had got to the goalkeeper all night.

The former Everton man was once against isolated in attack and struggled to impose himself.

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