‘Special’ group able to grab glory – Solskjaer

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes his “special” group are better equipped to challenge for Champions League glory this season as Manchester United prepare to kick off their continental campaign in Switzerland.

Having fallen to an agonising penalty shootout defeat to Villarreal in May’s Europa League final, the Red Devils return to European action against Young Boys at the Wankdorf Stadion tonight.

United are looking to improve on last term’s Champions League showing, having dropped into European football’s second-tier competition after finishing third in their group behind Paris St-Germain and RB Leipzig.

They return to the Continent’s top table as a more experienced, quality side, thanks in no small part to the summer acquisitions of Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo.

“We have had some very, very good nights and some memorable historic nights at the club,” United boss Solskjaer, whose goal sealed the treble in 1999, said in Bern.

“They’re the biggest nights for the club.

“So, for me, the aim when we go into this tournament now is of course to go all the way but we know it’s going to be a difficult one. It always is.

“But we’ve added some experience, some quality, some youth in the squad and hopefully we are better prepared this year for what’s to come.”

United are favourites to progress from a group including Villarreal, Atalanta and Young Boys, where Ronaldo is set to enter the history books tonight.

The 36-year-old is in line to make his 177th appearance in the Champions League, group stage to final, putting him level with former Real Madrid team-mate Iker Casillas.

Chelsea have pledged to take the “strongest possible action” after a video circulated on social media of a spectator allegedly using “abusive language of a sectarian nature” towards Aston Villa’s John McGinn.

The Blues have launched an investigation into abuse appearing to be directed at Scotland midfielder McGinn, during the Blues’ 3-0 Premier League win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The London club have appealed for help in identifying the alleged culprit from Saturday’s match, which the hosts won thanks to two goals from Romelu Lukaku and one from Mateo Kovacic.

Meanwhile, N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic will both miss Chelsea’s Champions League clash with Zenit St Petersburg tonight.

Kante is expected to be fit for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Tottenham as he moves past ankle trouble.

Pulisic has his own ankle concern that could take slightly longer to heal.