Manchester United struggling to sell out first Old Trafford match in Champions League vs Basel

MANCHESTER UNITED have are facing the prospect of empty seats for tonight's Champions League return against Basel.

The Red Devils have been sending texts out to members over the last week in an attempt to flog unwanted stubs for their return to Europe's premier competition.

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While the ground appears to be largely sold out, it appears there has been a scramble for the club to give the tickets the hard sell.

United sent out a text to fans as late as Sunday, seemingly reminding supporters that they are back in the Champions League.

The club have a complicated season ticket policy for fans in cup competitions, with United supporters obligated to purchase Champions League tickets even if they don't want them.

Basel are the visitors to Old Trafford tonight, with the Swiss club enjoying a fruitful record against the Premier League side.

United won 3-1 at St Jakob Park in 2002, while the two sides drew at Old Trafford in March 2003, before a 3-3 draw in September 2011 and 2-1 defeat for United in December that year.

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🏆Latest Champions League odds🏆

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• Man United to beat Basel: 2/13
• Chelsea to beat FC Qarabag: 1/12
• Liverpool to beat Sevilla: 8/11
• Man City to beat Feyenoord: 2/5

Jose Mourinho is also keen on finding ways to improve the matchday atmosphere at the 75,000-capacity stadium.

He said after their win over Leicester: "I saw the ball in the net and all the guys jumping around.

"It was the first time I saw the crowd. They were very quiet.

"It was easy to know that was a goal because it was the first time I really understood the stadium was full."

Despite being the UK's largest club ground, the arena has tended to lack the belting atmosphere of certain other stadia.

United's board have created a singing section in the Stretford End, but fans are still not allowed to bring in flags or giant banners as they are at Liverpool.

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Ed Woodward announced a ticket price freeze last season, but United weren't in the Champions League as they went on to win the Europa League instead.

He said: "The ticket price freeze that we announced is our policy in regards to the core fans.

"The No1 most important thing is a full stadium, the second most important thing is a noisy stadium."

Champions League ticket prices range from £10 for Under-16s to £58 for non-members in the most expensive non-hospitality seats.