United boss Mourinho relishing Champions League challenge

Manchester United are back in their natural habitat in the Champions League and are up for the challenge of playing against the best teams in Europe, manager Jose Mourinho said. United had failed to qualify for the Champions League for Mourinho's debut campaign but their Europa League triumph last season secured a return to Europe's elite competition.

Our @ChampionsLeague preview has everything you need ahead of #MUFC v FC Basel: https://t.co/3Dj9jTmvbp pic.twitter.com/lqPUTsuDzK

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 11, 2017

The Old Trafford outfit begin their campaign on Tuesday, hosting Swiss side FC Basel in the opening group stage match. "Being back in the Champions League is going back to the natural habitat. Manchester United (have been there) season after season," Mourinho told reporters. "Motivation is very high."

Catch up with what Jose Mourinho and @D_DeGea had to say to the media earlier today: https://t.co/7QWns4hdn6 pic.twitter.com/83pWI8aBrr

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 11, 2017

"We have to try to go to the last 16 and enjoy that special knock-out phase with the best teams in Europe." The Portuguese boss believes his team are in good form after starting their league campaign with three wins and a draw.

?? #UCL preparations... pic.twitter.com/Hf3ETdO95q

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 11, 2017

Mourinho says he loves the packed Christmas schedule that English teams have and believes they cannot use the busy schedule as an excuse for poor Champions League performances. "We have no winter break, and in other countries there is a winter break, but that's cultural, it means a lot, and I have to admit I love it," he added.

"We're strong, playing well and have confidence in ourselves," says Jose. "It's a difficult game tomorrow but we have the quality to win." pic.twitter.com/CO67X9OCfq

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 11, 2017

"But no complaining this is what we have, we have squads and if we think they're tired we play with other players."

.@D_DeGea is delighted to be back in the @ChampionsLeague with #MUFC... pic.twitter.com/LCfyqyX3wg

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 11, 2017

Defenders Eric Bailly and Phil Jones are serving suspensions and will be replaced by Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof at the centre of defence for Tuesday's game, while midfielder Marouane Fellaini is a doubt as he recovers from a calf injury.

Mourinho on Lindelof: "He needs a bit of time to adapt to the Premier League but he's a very good player with a lot of potential." #MUFC pic.twitter.com/avwRchpbqH

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 11, 2017