Champions League group stage watchability rankings

MADRID, SPAIN - AUGUST 27: Players of Real Madrid pose for a photo with their 2016/2017 Champions League, La Liga and Bernabeu trophies ahead of La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Valencia at Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain on August 27, 2017. (Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) /

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SWANSEA, WALES – AUGUST 19: Paul Pogba of Manchester United shows off his hair during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Manchester United at Liberty Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images) /

6. Group A: Basel, Manchester United, CSKA Moscow, Benfica

It’s probably obvious, but Group A benefits greatly from a resurgent Manchester United. And they only qualified for the Champions League this season by winning the Europa League last spring.

Jose Mourinho made some huge moves this summer to ensure the Red Devils are once again considered one of the best clubs in the world. Forward Romelu Lukaku (three goals in three games this season) was brought in from Everton seemingly as a replacement for Zlatan Ibrahimovic. But, oh wait, Zlatan decided to come back and, oh crap, United look even more unstoppable.

Midfield wrecking-ball Nemanja Matic may have been the most important signing of the summer. His presence in the midfield has unchained superstar Paul Pogba, who has scored two goals and provided two assists in the first four Premier League games of the season. Anthony Martial (two goals, one assist this season) and Marcus Rashford (two goals, one assist this season) are another year older and appear to be realizing their full potential. Hell, even Marouane Fellaini has scored a goal.

United sit atop the the Premier League table, having scored 12 goals while allowing only two in three games. They are terrifying and should rip Group A to shreds.

As for the other clubs in this group, there’s Swiss champs Basel and Portuguese champs Benfica as well as Russian league runners-up CSKA Moscow. Yawn. United will have to actively try to play poorly to finish second in Group A.

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