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After a terrific opening of the last round of the Champions League fixtures on Tuesday night, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur made their way into the knock-out stages narrowly.
There’s only so much adrenaline that can rush in any human body, and tonight’s game in Spain, Valencia against Manchester United, will play the role of ‘asparagus’ to soothe everyone with its bland effect.
No, it’s not a jibe at Mourinho’s United in any way. It’s simply to call out a game poised to be a dead rubber.
Some would argue that Mourinho must play his strongest XI, as there’s a chance, however minuscule, to swap places with Juventus at the summit of the table. And some would say, it’s Liverpool at Anfield this Sunday in the league, and common sense dictates that is where the strongest XI is needed.
Confirmed Man Utd squad
Sergio Romero, Lee Grant, Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Fred, Andreas Pereira, Ander Herrera, Scott McTominay, James Garner, Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Marouane Fellaini, Juan Mata, Romelu Lukaku, Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood
Players who haven’t traveled to Spain
David De Gea, Nemanja Matic, Matteo Darmian, Luke Shaw, and Diogo Dalot
Probable line-up
Goalkeeper: Sergio Romero has made just 2 appearances this season, and is certain to start in De Gea’s absence. The Argentine international has been more than alright whenever called upon by his manager. Lee Grant will be his deputy for tonight’s game.
Defense: Antonio Valencia and Marcos Rojo should fill the full-back positions, as both are unlikely to start on Sunday at Anfield. Eric Bailly who has been immense ever since his return from injury, will start alongside Phil Jones at the heart of the defense. The back 4 picks itself in a way, as Ashley Young must be rested, keeping the Liverpool game in mind.
Midfield: Mourinho in his press conference, nearly gave away his midfield. As fringe as the back four could be in Spain, the midfield sounds mainstream with the inclusion of Paul Pogba and Fred. And United fans would hope that this is the game these high-profile players come to the fore, and set the tone for the remainder of the season.
Andreas Pereira, although an attacking midfielder, had a great pre-season in the DM role, and may get a call-up in the starting XI.
Forward: Juan Mata, one of Mourinho’s trusted players, may tuck-in at the right flank, in what could be a 4-3-3 formation. The club and player seem to be pleased with each other, and contract talks are very positive. The Spaniard's existing contract runs down in the summer, but he is expected to sign another one sooner rather than later.
Jesse Lingard will play on the left, with either Rashford or Lukaku in the centre. Strong cases can be made for both, but it’s more likely the Belgian will start, as to get his confidence back, he will get the nod ahead of Rashford.
Jose Mourinho has been an ‘under-pressure’ figure this season for all sorts of reasons, especially in the league. A rather meaningless fixture like tonight’s just couldn’t have come at a better time.
The Portuguese has been clever with his squad selection for this game, picking James Garner and Mason Greenwood from the youth academy. If all pans out as per Jose’s plan, we may get to see the teens in action at some point in the game.
