Granit Xhaka will backing Basel at Old Trafford (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka admits he hopes his former side Basel get the better of Manchester United in their Champions League opener.

The Gunners failed to qualify for this year’s competition, after finishing fifth in the Premier League last season, so the Switzerland international will be supporting his boyhood club as they kick-off their campaign on Tuesday evening.

Xhaka played in Basel’s memorable 3-3 draw with the Red Devils back in 2011/12 and hopes the Swiss club can pull off a similar upset at Old Trafford.

He said: ‘It was one of the most crazy games [drawing 3-3 at Old Trafford].

Granit Xhaka took part in Basel’s dramatic 3-3 draw with United (Picture: Getty)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BY8QtORlIhY/?hl=en&taken-by=granitxhaka

‘This result was a highlight because it was almost a knockout game and we knocked Manchester United out of the competition. These experiences, these emotions will always remain in my memory.

‘Basel can also achieve something this time. Manchester United are favourites, but in two games everything is possible.

‘I keep my fingers crossed that they can do something like that again.’

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