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Manchester United could face pitch problems in Champions League match in Basle after torrential rain leaves St Jakob-Park pitch a mudbath

Basle face a race against time to get their 'disgraceful' pitch in shape for the Champions League tie against Manchester United next week.

The surface at St Jakob-Park cut up badly during Northern Ireland's World Cup play-off against Switzerland on Sunday night following a day of torrential rain in the Swiss city.

Basle have 10 days before hosting United in a Group A tie next Wednesday, but they also have a home game against Sion at the weekend which is likely to cause further damage.

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill (right) and striker Josh Magennis on the mudbath of a pitch at Basle's St Jakob-Park after their World Cup play-off with Switzerland
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill (right) and striker Josh Magennis on the mudbath of a pitch at Basle's St Jakob-Park after their World Cup play-off with Switzerland
Torrential rain in the Swiss City left the pitch in a state and Northern Ireland's George Saville (pictured) wasn't pleasedu00a0
Torrential rain in the Swiss City left the pitch in a state and Northern Ireland's George Saville (pictured) wasn't pleased
The state of the pitch will be a worry for Jose Mourinho ahead of Manchester United's Champions League meeting with Basle there next week
The state of the pitch will be a worry for Jose Mourinho ahead of Manchester United's Champions League meeting with Basle there next week

Northern Ireland midfielder George Saville was fiercely critical of the pitch that made it difficult to play passing football.