United without six key men

Manchester United began the second phase of the Champions League tonight with no less than six key players ruled out.

David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand, Roy Keane, Nicky Butt, Gary Neville and Laurent Blanc were sidelined for this Group D game.

Phil Neville returned after suspension and slotted in at right-back with John O’Shea switching to the centre.

O’Shea partnered Wes Brown, who was playing his third match after a three-month absence due to an ankle injury.

United went into this game on the back of a 5-3 victory against Newcastle - and a fine record in the Champions League.

After having to qualify, they topped their group winning five of their six games.

The St Jakob Stadium was packed to its 30,000 capacity with Basle carrying the hopes of the Swiss nation.

They became the first club from Switzerland to progress beyond the first group stage after eliminating Liverpool and ending Celtic’s hopes in the final qualifying round.