Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has no injury issues of note heading into the weekend game against Stoke City at the Bet 365 Stadium.
Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and central defender Marcos Rojo returned from illness and injury respectively in the Red Devils’ last game against Liverpool. This leaves Mourinho with a full squad to choose from except for Ivory Coast centre-half Eric Bailly, who is away at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“We are fine,” Mourinho told MUTV, when asked about any injuries.
“We have little problems, which is normal, but not [they are not] big issues. We have a very good situation.”
This means that Manchester United will very likely field a strong side for their game against the Potters. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is yet to miss a game for United when fit, and the evergreen 35-year-old will surely lead the line for them once again at the erstwhile Britannia Stadium.
The role of number ten has been handed on a silver platter to the world’s most expensive transfer Paul Pogba. However his poor performance in their game against the Reds could lead to some switching up by Mourinho, and Juan Mata may be given a chance in the trequartista role.
The two natural starters on the wing are Anthony Martial and Henrikh Mkhitaryan and they are likely to keep their starting spots. However, both Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford will both be eagerly waiting on the wings for a chance to shine and could make cameo appearances.
Ander Herrera is a sure starter in midfield, and could be paired up with Pogba in a central midfield duo. However Marouane Fellaini seems to be one of Mourinho’s favourite players and could start alongside the Spaniard, in case Pogba does end up playing the number ten role anyway.
The back four for United looks pretty straightforward. Moutinho has persisted with a central defensive duo of Phil Jones and Rojo, despite the availability of English center-half Chris Smalling. Matteo Darmian will start at left-back and Antonio Valencia, who recently signed a one-year contract extension, will start at right-back.
David de Gea is the undisputed number one at Old Trafford, and will surely start in goal.
