A look at Manchester United’s hosts for Champions League opener – Young Boys
Young Boys broke Basel’s eight-year dominance to win the Swiss Super League title last season.
Manchester United kick-off their Champions League campaign against Young Boys on Wednesday evening.
Ahead of the Group H opener in Bern, Press Association Sport’s Simon Peach takes a look at the side hosting Jose Mourinho’s men.
European experience
Form
YB are basking in the afterglow of last season’s Swiss Super League triumph – their 12th league title and first since 1986. Young Boys upset the odds to end the eight-year stranglehold enjoyed by Basel, who beat United in Switzerland in last season’s group stage before bowing out in the last 16 to Manchester City. The Swiss side have kicked off their title defence with six wins from as many matches, meaning they have the largest lead at this stage of the season since a 10-team league format was introduced in 2003. However, Young Boys did need extra-time to edge past Schaffhausen in the Swiss Cup at the weekend.
Manager
Gerardo Seoane has been head coach of Young Boys since the summer after title-winning boss Adi Hutter joined German side Eintracht Frankfurt. Born to Spanish parents and raised near Lucerne, the former midfielder speaks five languages and arrived at the Stade de Suisse having impressed during his short spell at the helm of Luzern – a club that played a key role in his career. Having started and finished his playing career at the club, Seonae began coaching Luzern’s Under-15s in 2011. The 39-year-old moved up the ranks and was handed the permanent manager’s role in January, when he managed to lead the side from relegation trouble to third spot.
Players to watch
