Basel's supporters are really, REALLY making an effort to fit in during their trip to Manchester.

The Swiss side are in the north-west for their first Champions League match of the season. With a night at a packed Old Trafford to look forward, the Basel supporters are clearly making an effort to blend into their surroundings.

That is the only logical conclusion you can draw when you look at these images of the away fans in Manchester, ahead of the big match.

Basel supporters met up outside The Corn Exchange in Manchester city centre and most of them wore jeans, a navy blue kagool, white Reebok Classic trainers and a hat.

And when we say 'most of them', we mean 'ALL OF THEM'.

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Eamonn and James Clarke)
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Eamonn and James Clarke)
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Eamonn and James Clarke)
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Eamonn and James Clarke)

Clearly, there was some sort of dress code for anyone travelling to Manchester from Switzerland.

We can't say they were trying to look the locals… but these guys look like they're off to a Stone Roses gig.

Despite this 'friendly' approach to fan attire, Basel will not be in awe of Manchester United - according to the man who knocked the Reds out of the Champions League six years ago.

Alexander Frei's goal secured Basel a 2-1 win over United which condemned Sir Alex Ferguson's side to third spot in their group and a place in the Europa League.

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Former Switzerland striker Frei, now Under-18s coach with Basel, has been impressed with United this season under Jose Mourinho and knows his side are in for a tough test at Old Trafford tonight.

But the 38-year-old former striker warned Mourinho and his players that the Swiss champions have no fear of facing United and are capable of causing at upset in the Group A opener.

"FC Basel are also a good team," said Frei. "We respect the big names and we know clubs such as Manchester United are bigger, but we're not afraid of playing against them.

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"I'm sure that Manchester United won't underestimate us."

Reflecting on his goal that knocked United out at the St Jakob Stadium back in 2011, Frei, who also scored twice at Old Trafford in a thrilling 3-3 draw that same season, said: "I have good memories.

"It was a important goal at the right time. But what was even more great for me was that I only knew a few days before this game that my wife was expecting our first child.

"Having good memories gives you self-confidence, but this is a different team and a different gam.e

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"We have different very good players in our team. But they can only perform within the team structure.

"United have good organisation in the defence and much talent and speed on the relevant positions. They are a very good team this season.

"I don't think that this first game against Manchester United will be decisive for the further Champions League campaign, but it's always important to start with a good feeling."

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Asked which United players had impressed him most, Frei said: "Last season it was Ibrahimovic, until his injury. It's impressive how important he can be at his age for such a big club.

"But this season I'm more impressed with the collective strength of United."

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