Herrera Likens FC Basel To Ajax

Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera believes FC Basel are similar to last season's Europa League final opponents Ajax because of the way they promote players from within their own Academy.

The Swiss side head to Old Trafford to kick off our return to Champions League action on Tuesday and, as part of his analysis of the Reds' Group A rivals during an interview with MUTV, Herrera is paying them maximum respect.

Jose Mourinho's men overcame Ajax 2-0 in Stockholm to qualify for the Champions League but the Dutch side showed their quality throughout the final.

"Manchester United should be in the Champions League every season," said Herrera. "Now we are back after one season and we have to know where we come from. We won the Europa League but we were not in the Champions League, so we have to respect every opponent.

"We face Basel and they’re a very talented team with young players. I think we can compare them with Ajax as they also promote very talented players and have a fantastic Academy. They won the league and cup last season and they are in the Champions League every season, facing good teams and competing against them.

"We want to start the Champions League group well and it’s very important to start with a victory but we have to respect them as well. They will come with good players – a young, talented team and no pressure at Old Trafford. It’s not going to be easy."

CSKA Moscow, our first opponents in the competition on the road, and Benfica are also bidding to prevent United from making the knockout stages.

"We went already to Moscow two seasons ago and we didn't beat them," added Herrera. "We drew away so it's always difficult to play in Russia. Benfica are the best team in the last years in Portugal so we know it's not going to be easy in any game but it's a good group to play against big teams in Switzerland, Portugal and Russia.

"Maybe they are the biggest in their countries so it's a good group and we're looking forward to it. Let's go with everything."