The Manchester United manager addressed the media ahead of his side’s second Europa League group stage match.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho during the press conference
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has told his pre-match press conference, as reported by the Daily Mirror, that he is undecided about whether to play Wayne Rooney in their Europa League match against Zorya Luhansk at Old Trafford tomorrow night.
The 30-year-old missed training yesterday because of a slight back problem but trained today.
Mourinho told is quoted by the Mirror, saying: ” I was completely convinced of playing him tomorrow.
Manchester United’s Ashley Young and Wayne Rooney during training
“I’m not sure if I do that because with the situation that you create to him I think he really can’t afford to have a performance that is not really good and I am here to protect him and have to analyse the best thing for him.
“If he is not totally ready for it, I will discuss that with the medical staff.”
Mourinho has said that Luke Shaw will miss the game through illness after being sent home by the club doctors, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan will also miss out despite returning to training today following injury having least featured in the Manchester derby.
Watford’s Daryl Janmaat in action with Manchester United’s Luke Shaw
The United boss confirmed that Anthony Martial is after a short spell since the defeat to Watford on the sidelines while Zlatan Ibrahimovic will start up front as Mourino says it’s a game his side have to win, after they began their Europa League campaign with defeat at the hands of Feyenoord.
He said: “If we don’t win, we have four matches [left in the group] and I would say we have to all all the last four matches, which is difficult.
“Tomorrow we need to win.”
United will be looking to make it three wins in a row in all competitions, and get themselves off the mark in their Europa League group. Having three points in the bag will be much needed ahead of two difficult games against Fenerbahce to come.
Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic
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