Man Utd, Man City out of Champions League

Manchester United failed to advance past the Champions League group stage for only the third time in 17 years after a humiliating defeat 2-1 to Basel in Switzerland today.

The three-time European champions and reigning Premier League winners went behind to Marco Streller's strike after poor defending and a goalkeeping error in the ninth minute.

Alexander Frei nodded a second before Phil Jones's late header left United a goal short of the draw they needed.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men, who have reached three of the past four Champions League finals, finished third in Group C as Benfica and Basel reached the knockout stage.

Ferguson and his players looked shell-shocked at the end and they will now have to make do with Europa League football.

And Manchester City's maiden Champions League campaign came to an end despite a convincing 2-nil win over an under-strength Bayern Munich.

David Silva and Yaya Toure struck as City produced a fine attacking display to keep their slim hopes of qualifying from Group A alive, but Napoli's win over Villarreal knocked them out.

The results mean City will now be competing in the Europa League in the new year.

editorial@gleanerjm.com