Pogba doubles inspires the Red Devils

Paul Pogba scored two goals as Manchester United started their Group H campaign in the Champions League with a 3-0 win over Young Boys on Wednesday.

Jose Mourinho's men were lucky not to fall behind after a poor start against the Swiss champions, but the winner of the Pogba World Cup gave them a lead of less than 35 minutes thanks to a superb 16-yard result.

He followed with a penalty while United – who made his Diogo Dalot debut at the right-back – went into the interval with a two-goal lead.

Pogba then turned to the supplier in the 66th minute, feeding Anthony Martial for his first goal since Jan. 20, when United launched his Champions League campaign.

After barely eight minutes, Young Boys was close to scoring, but Guillaume Hoarau's header 12 meters away deflected David de Gea's post.

United's goalkeeper was again called to overturn Mohamed Ali Camara's long run, before Marcus Rashford crushed the post while United woke up late.

Pogba scored his first 10 minutes before the interval, mixing the ball into the space just inside the penalty area and leading a fine finish in David van Ballmoos' net.

He scored his second goal in the 44th minute and scored a free kick after Kevin Mbabu was severely judged to have deliberately manipulated Luke Shaw's center in the area.

Pogba was too hot for hosts and set United's third goal shortly after the hour, placing the ball in Martial's trajectory, whose right foot effort from 10 yards was deflected by Von Ballmoos's Camara.

Substitute Juan Mata narrowly defeated the late effort, while Romelu Lukaku saw a late effort denied by the offside flag, but no matter, a United, inspired by Pogba, kicked off his campaign in the Champions League.

What does it mean: the giants lead the way in the H group

Juventus' 2-0 triumph over Valencia, despite a departure for Cristiano Ronaldo, means the two heavyweights in the group are sitting on three points each. United was far from escaping against the Swiss, but after surviving a storm, they were finally able to stretch their chests and comfortably discard their less illustrious opponents.

Pat on the back: Pogba in imperial form

He made headlines on the field because of speculation about his long-term future at Old Trafford, but United's mercurial French was in great shape in Bern. His first win was glorious and he gave the goaltender little chance with a clinical penalty.

Start reversing: Rashford struggles to make an impact

Recalled alongside Martial and Romelu Lukaku in front, Rashford ends the night firmly in the shadow of his teammate. The England striker took the post in the first half, but never got close in a party characterized by stick overtaking and a low threat.

And after?

United will aim for a third consecutive Premier League win by hosting the Wolves on Saturday and returning to action in the Champions League in two weeks against Valencia. The Young Boys, meanwhile, face Basel on Sunday in the championship and will then face a formidable challenge to Juventus in their next match in Group H.