It has been a very welcome return to the Champions League for Manchester United this season.

The Red Devils only ensured qualification to the competition by winning the Europa League at the end of last season but they have looked right at home back alongside Europe's best.

Well, their group hasn't provided too many tests but in truth, United have strolled past Basel, CSKA Moscow and Benfica, winning all four of their opening games, conceding only once.

Against Benfica on Tuesday evening, the Red Devils barely had to get out of first gear as they saw off the Portuguese champions with relative ease, winning 2-0 at Old Trafford.

A Mile Svilar own goal and a Daley Blind penalty secured a three points which assures United of a place in the last-16.

One of the big talking points of the game was Scott McTominay, with the young midfielder handed his first European start after showing some promising signs this season.

MCTOMINAY IMPRESSES AGAINST BENFICA

He looked very assured on what was the biggest day of his young career so far, with some United supporters even stating that the club now has a natural successor to Michael Carrick.

McTominay wasn't exactly thrown in the deep end as he lined up alongside the vastly experienced and classy Nemanja Matic, who already looks well worth his £40m price tag.

As a duo, they caught the eye and it seems that the Serbian international is impressed with his colleague.

In fact, he has made a promise to McTominay after his big night, one which will put a big smile across the face of United fans.

MATIC'S PLEDGE

“I think Scott is going to be a great player and already is a great player,” he told MUTV.

“He’s very young, very talented and physically strong. I’m sure he is the future of Manchester United and I enjoy playing with him because he also works really hard and is very confident.

“I’m going to help him in training because I think with his potential he’s going to be a big star for Manchester United.”

If he has Matic taking him under his wing, the future certainly looks bright for McTominay.

With United's progress to the knockout stages secured, it is almost certain that Mourinho will opt to use his young talent in the final two games against Basel and CSKA.

Hopefully, he can continue his impressive start.