YOUNG BOYS 0, MANCHESTER UNITED 3
Manchester United eased to a 3-0 win in Switzerland as they kicked off their Champions League campaign with victory against Young Boys.
The Reds might light of what could have been a tricky tie on a 4G plastic pitch when Paul Pogba scored twice during the first half and Anthony Martial added a third – his first goal since January – to make sure of the win.
Martial (who replaced Alexis Sanchez) was one of five changes for United’s first Champions League fixture of the season, with Luke Shaw returning from concussion on International duty and a debut for summer signing Diogo Dalot at right back.
Dalot stood in for Antonio Valencia at right back, and manager Jose Mourinho explained the Ecuadorian full back’s bad knee was not risked on the plastic pitch.
Also handed starts were Fred and Marcus Rashford (who is serving a domestic ban) with Ashley Young, Marouane Fellaini, and Jesse Lingard stepped down.
Until Pogba scored his first goal in the 35th minute the Reds had taken their time to get used to the conditions on the 4G pitch.
Young Boys had spurned several good chances to take the lead while United got their bearings.
David De Gea was called into action to tip over efforts by Mohamed Ali Camara and Christian Fassnacht over the bar although Rashford hit the post with an effort.
Pogba linked well with Fred and the pair combined before the French midfielder found the top corner from 18 yards out to open the scoring.
Pogba then doubled his tally before half time, putting a penalty away after a Young Boys defender was adjudged to have handled Shaw’s cross.
And Martial’s goal after 66 minutes ensured a comfortable finale to the game ahead of a tricky home Premier League game against Wolves at the weekend.