Pogba propels Man United to victory against Young Boys

Bern (Switzerland): Paul Pogba's brilliant opening goal was the catalyst as Manchester United overcame a difficult start to beat Young Boys 3-0 in Bern in their opening Champions League game on Wednesday.

Skipper Pogba struck to cut down the Swiss champions in their prime before he then doubled United's lead from a penalty just before the break.

The France star also set up the third goal for compatriot Anthony Martial in the second half, as Jose Mourinho's side safely negotiated this fixture on the synthetic surface at the Stade de Suisse.

"I can understand the reasons why we didn't start the game very well, why we took 20 to 25 minutes to be in control," said Mourinho.

"They know how difficult it is for opponents to play on this pitch, so they force a little bit and they create some problems, but the goal changed everything and after that we were totally in control and it was nice to start with the victory."

Of Pogba's performance, the manager added: "If he starts arriving in possible scoring positions that can be a plus for the team, so I am happy with that."

Seemingly a club in crisis at the end of August following their 3-0 home defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, this was United's third straight win since then, all away from home.

Tougher tests await in Group H, though, with Valencia due at Old Trafford in a fortnight and Juventus to come after that.

"I am happy with the good solid performance of the team more than any individual," Mourinho added.

"We knew we needed to win this match, we knew it was very important to go to the next three matches against Valencia and Juventus twice with these three points."

There were plenty of reasons to be wary of this trip, with United having lost to Basel on their last two visits to

Switzerland.