Mourinho Confirms Two FC Basel Starters

Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof will both start in central defence for Manchester United's UEFA Champions League game against FC Basel on Tuesday night.

The Reds return to European's top competition by welcoming the Swiss champions to Old Trafford for the first Group A match.

Eric Bailly and Phil Jones, who have started all four of United's Premier League games this season, will both be suspended for Tuesday's encounter as a result of UEFA bans.

Speaking after Saturday's 2-2 draw at Stoke City, Mourinho said he has been impressed with Jones so far this term and he will get the chance to have a well-earned rest after also playing twice for England during the international break.

The boss said in his post-match press conference: "He's playing well for us. He's probably tired with two consecutive matches with the national team but he cannot play on Tuesday so it's good that on Tuesday he gets his rest and it's an opportunity for Smalling and Lindelof to play the Champions League match."

It will be Smalling and Lindelof's first starts for the Reds since the UEFA Super Cup defeat by Real Madrid last month.