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Jose Mourinho confirms Ander Herrera's absence from Basle clash was down to Manchester United's strength in depth rather than injury

Ander Herrera may be Manchester United's reigning player of the year but Jose Mourinho had no room for the midfielder in his squad for their Champions League opener.

Marouane Fellaini, Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford netted as United ran out comfortable 3-0 victors in Tuesday's Group A opener at home to Basle.

Paul Pogba's hamstring injury was the only negative on a straightforward evening for Mourinho, whose strength in depth was laid bare by the fact Herrera did not even make the bench.

Ander Herrera did not even make the bench for Manchester United against Basle on Tuesday
Ander Herrera did not even make the bench for Manchester United against Basle on Tuesday

Voted last season's Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year, the United boss confirmed his absence from the squad was down to the options at his disposal rather than injury.