Jose Mourinho is in selection dilemma ahead of Man United crunch tie with Celta Vigo in the first leg of the semi-final of the Europa League on Thursday.
The team is depleted following a hectic April schedule and a number of injuries during that period. The United boss will be without several of his first team players with some of them ruled out for the season; Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marcos Rojo, and Luke Shaw are in that category.
United are vying for a Champions League spot and after another frustrating draw in the Premier League, the hope of qualifying for the Europe top tier competition has been dented – as we remain outside the top four despite undefeated in 26 games- a win in Spain is non-negotiable to push through our qualification for the Europa League final.
United defence is completely in a shaky situation with the unavailability of four centre-backs; Eric Bailly, Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling for the game.
Jones and Smalling have not kicked the ball since March while Ibra and Rojo both got injured in the match against Anderlecht at Old Trafford. Bailly and Shaw were substituted in the 1-1 draw with Swansea and will feature for United against Swansea.
Team News
Matteo Darmain or Michael Carrick may partner Daley Blind in the centre of the defence with Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young on the right and left back respectively.
However, Juan Mata and Paul Pogba are expected to return to the team. Mata was named on the bench on Sunday and could start against Celta Vigo. Maroune Fellaini is also available for selection as his suspension only affect domestic fitures. Sergio Romero is expected to retain his position between the stick.
PROBABLE XI (4-2-3-1)
Sergio Romero; Antonio Valencia, Matteo Darmain, Daley Blind, Ashley Young; Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera; Jesse Lingard, Paul Pogba. Henrikh Mkhitaryan; Marcus Rashford.
