MAN UTD 3, FC BASEL 0
Jose Mourinho claimed Manchester United are not one of Europe’s big hitters, even though they marked their return to the Champions League with a routine group game victory against FC Basel at Old Trafford.
The Reds, absentees from Europe’s premier club competition for the last two seasons, were never troubled against the Swiss side that troubled them in four previous meetings that yielded only one win.
But with some of the giants of Europe recording impressive victories, United’s manager said: “The Champions League starts for the big clubs in February.
“For Premier League clubs they have to survive the winter while the other clubs are ready.
“We are at the second level of less qualified teams and have to make sure we get the points for the knockout phase.
“If we do that, let’s then enjoy playing against the big guys.”
Though Basel are Swiss champions they are nowhere near as formidable as in previous seasons as United won with ease.
The victory came at a cost, however, as Paul Pogba limped out of the game with a hamstring strain, the one blemish on an otherwise perfect night.
“I think it is a hamstring, big or small I don’t know,” said manager Jose Mourinho was described it as three “important” points from the first game.
Goals from Marouane Fellaini, Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford – the last two on their Champions League debut – saw United claim top spot in group A.
And for Rashford it extended a remarkable recording of having scored in his first appearances in the Premier League, Europa League, Champions League, EFL Cup and for England.
Mourinho was delighted that Lukaku continued his fine scoring run and Rashford found the net saying he was pleased for them on their Champions League debuts.
The Reds’ manager believes it is an open group with any team capable of beating any other.
“CSKA win in Lisbon and Benfica are capable of winning in Moscow,” he explained.
United made six changes from the side that kicked off Saturday’s league game at Stoke City that ended 2-2.
There was a completely new back four of Ashley Young and Daley Blind at full back along with Chris Smalling and summer signing Victor Lindelof who was making his Reds’ debut.
And there was two changes further forward as Anthony Martial and Juan Mata won recalls.
The most familiar name in the Basel side was striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel who had a disappointing spell with Norwich City following a 10million euro transfer.
United could have taken a first-minute lead when Lukaku had a shot blocked and Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Romelu again had good chances in a bright start.
But United received a blow when Pogba, named captain, limped off in the 19th minute with what appeared a hamstring strain as he was replaced by Fellaini.
The Basel defence led a charmed life moments later when Mkhitaryan shot against the upright and, following up, saw his shot saved by Tomas Vaclik.
The deadlock was broken in the 35th minute by Fellaini who headed home a centre by Young from six yards.
United doubled their lead in the 53rd through the in-form Lukaku.
Martial’s bobbling shot was turned away for a corner by Vaclic and from Blind’s dead ball Lukaku headed home his sixth goal since his £75million summer move from Everton.
It was not until midway through the second period that United keeper David de Gea was called into action for the first time.
And it was a super stop to turn over a close-range shot from Mohamed Elyounoussi who turned Lindelof six yards out.
United made a second change with 21 minutes left when Martial was replaced by Jesse Lingard. The third and final switch in the 77th minute when Rashford came on for Mata.
Rashford soon made his mark when he added United’s third goal seven minutes later.
Fellaini provided the assist with a low cross from the right that Mkhitaryan dummied before Rachford found the net with a shot from 14 yards that looped over Vaclic.