Manchester United vs Basel, Champions League - as it happened: Result and analysis from the match at Old Trafford
Follow all of the action from the Champions League match
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.After nearly a two-year absence, Manchester United make their return to the Champions League on Tuesday night when they line up against Basel at Old Trafford.
United get their campaign underway against the current Swiss champions – a club that has won the Swiss Super League for the last eight seasons in a row.
Phil Jones and Eric Bailly are set to miss the game, due to a Uefa suspension, while Marouane Fellaini remains a doubt as he continues to recover from a calf injury. Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof are expected to be handed starts in central defence.
Follow the live action below...
What time does it start?
The game kicks off at 7.45pm at Old Trafford on Tuesday 12 September.
Where can I watch it?
BT Sport 2 and BT Sport 4K UHD will be broadcasting the game. Coverage starts at 7.00pm. Alternatively, return to this page for updates from our live blog.
It’s a big game for?
Victor Lindelof. The defender has been used sparingly at United since joining in the summer, with Jose Mourinho explaining that the Swede needs time to adapt to life in the Premier League. With the side short of options at the back for Tuesday's game, the 23-year-old now has his big chance to shine on the main stage as he bids to convince Mourinho of his worth.
Player to watch?
Mohamed Elyounoussi. Part of an exciting generation of young Norwegian talent that includes Martin Ødegaard, Mats Dæhli and Iver Fossum, Elyounoussi left his homeland in 2016 to join Basel where he’s since made 38 league appearances for the side, scoring 11 goals. Having worked under United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at former club Molde, Elyounoussi has garnered a reputation as a technically gifted and hard-working forward. Although not blessed with blistering speed, the 23-year-old thrives in one-on-one situations and has an impressive ability to skip past defenders. United’s backline can expect to have their hands full with the Norwegian.
Last three meetings?
Basel 2 Manchester United 1, Champions League, December 2011
Manchester United 3 Basel 3, Champions League, September 2011
Manchester United 1 Basel 1, Champions League, March 2003
Form?
Manchester United: DWWWL
Basel: LDDWW
Odds?
Manchester United win: 1/5
Draw: 7/1
Basel win: 18/1
Let's have a more in-depth look at the teams selected at Old Trafford...
...where Jose Mourinho makes six changes to the side that started the 2-2 draw at Stoke in the Premier League on Saturday evening. The back-four has an entirely new look; Eric Bailly and Phil Jones are suspended from European competition so Victor Lindelof and Chris Smalling come into the centre while Matteo Darmian and Antonio Valencia drop to bench to allow Daley Blind and Ashley Young - his first appearance in 131 days - to feature on the flanks. Juan Mata replaces Ander Herrera in midfield as Anthony Martial takes over from Marcus Rashford further forward. Paul Pogba captains the Red Devils for the first time.
Manchester United: De Gea, Young, Lindelof, Smalling, Blind, Pogba, Matic, Mata, Mkhitaryan, Martial, Lukaku
Subs: Romero, Lingard, Carrick, Rashford, Valencia, Fellaini, Darmian
Basel: Vacilik, Akanji, Suchy, Balanta, Lang, Xhaka, Zuffi, Riveros, Steffen, Van Wolfswinkel, Elyounoussi
Subs: Salvi, Gaber, Fransson, Oberlin, Schmid, Bua, Calla
Referee: Ruddy Buquet (France)
Paul Pogba: captains Manchester United this evening.
FC Basel were not the opponents the Manchester United manager wanted to welcome to Old Trafford as the Red Devils prepare for their return to Europe's elite club competition.
Also making a return to the Champions League this evening are Premier League winners Chelsea. History suggests that their opponents at Stamford Bridge, Azerbaijan minnows Qarabag, could well be in for a testing evening.
What does it mean for Manchester United to back in the Champions League, Jose Mourinho is asked prior to kick-off. Stony-faced as ever, The Special One replies with just three words.
Back to normality.
This is your five-minute warning.
The Champions League returns in just a few moment.
Been wondering who will be attempting to keep the €222 million man, Neymar, quiet at Parkhead this evening?
It's the 18-year-old, former Queens Park loanee Anthony Ralston. Good luck, young man.
The Champions League theme tune pumps out at Old Trafford for the first time since November 2015. It's been too long.
Meanwhile, heavy rain falls over the stadium for the first time since...erm...yesterday?
KICK-OFF: Man Utd 0 Basel 0: The weather is not enough to dampen spirits as Henrikh Mkhitaryan gets us going for the evening. There may be a surprising number of empty seats inside Old Trafford but those who have shown up nearly had something to celebrate as Romelu Lukaku took aim inside the box. The Belgian's fierce drive was blocked by a brave Basel defender.
2 mins: GOAL! OLYMPIAKOS 0 SPORTING LISBON 1:
There's been an early goal in Greece where Sporting Lisbon have taken the lead through Seydou Doumbia. The Roma loanee was first to Marcos Acuna's deep free-kick to head the Portuguese outfit in front in Group D.
5 mins: GOAL! CHELSEA 1 QARABAG 0:
And now Chelsea lead! it's a goal had been coming as the London side bombarded Qarabag from kick-off, Pedro powering home after Willian had fed the ball back to him from a well-worked corner.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
0Comments