Basel knocks Man United out of Champions League

Manchester United needed just a draw to advance from its group to the knockout rounds but Basel captain Marco Streller scored in the ninth minute and Alex Frei struck in the 84th.Despite Phil Joness scrambled goal in the 89th, United slumped to only its second group-stage exit since 1996.Swiss champion Basel, led by novice interim coach Heiko Vogel, join group winner Benfica among Europes elite in the last-16 draw next week.United, a winner and twice runner-up in the past four seasons, finished third in the group. It now has the unwanted honor of playing in the second-tier Europa League next February.More misery was heaped on manager Alex Ferguson as he lost captain Nemanja Vidic to what appeared a seriously injured right knee.On a cold night and rain-soaked pitch, United started brightly as Wayne Rooney, Nani and Ashley Young linked smartly in front of the Basel defense.A long spell of possession ended when Park Ji-sung turned in the penalty area and curled a left-footed shot too high.Basels hottest young prospect Xherdan Shaqiri had troubled the visitors with a long dribble before he created the opening goal.Shaqiri fired in a low cross after defenders Vidic and Chris Smalling collided when failing to clear a high ball from the right.United goalkeeper David de Geas awkward block with his legs guided the ball toward Streller, whose left-footed shot from 10 yards (meters) bounced just inside the post.United dominated possession but created little until Nani sparked a frenetic spell around the half-hour mark.As Uniteds play grew more urgent, Sommer rose to the challenge with excellent handling to protect his teams lead.A memorable Swiss victory appeared sealed in the 84th minute when Frei stooped to head home a bouncing ball at the back post.Jones gave United some hope when he bundled the ball just over the line, after substitute Federico Machedas shot ricocheted back out off the crossbar.