The fixtures are never ending for Manchester United at present but Thursday’s trip to Celta Vigo is vital in the Red Devils’ pursuit of a second trophy this season.

Whilst Jose Mourinho has already secured the EFL Cup this season, the Europa League will surely all but confirm a successful first season at Old Trafford for the former Chelsea boss meaning that he will be able to push on to greater things with the club next season.

This is a common view in the Transfer Tavern and our landlord says the foundations are in place in the red half of Manchester which will certainly see a busy transfer period occur over the summer with many big names being linked with United.

With that said, the season is not over yet and Thursday’s Europa League tie sees United take on Celta Vigo in the first leg of the semi final of the competition. Though many of the Red Devils in the Tavern feel this could be a walk over for their side, our landlord has warned that this Celta Vigo side have beaten both Real Madrid and Barcelona at points this season and with United looking stricken by injuries in their defence, it may be a tougher game than first imagined.

Along with his words of wisdom, our landlord has outlined the XI Mourinho needs to pick in order to get a result in the first leg of this one.

Let’s take a look at his selection…

GK: Sergio Romero

The Argentine keeper must count himself unlucky to be stuck behind the outstanding David de Gea on a regular basis as Romero, himself, is a ‘keeper of international pedigree.

However, Mourinho has opted for Romero all through the Europa League and our landlord expects no change here for this one.

RB: Antonio Valencia

Arguably United’s best player this season, the transition made from a right winger at Wigan Athletic to the Red Devils’ first choice right back has been applauded by the United fans in the Tavern and Valencia’s story looks to continue here.

The Ecuadorian has become increasingly vital to an ever changing United back line this season.

CB: Matteo Darmian

With injuries to five potential United centre backs, Mourinho may have to move Darmian into the centre of defence for this one.

Naturally a full back, the Italian played the last half an hour of the weekend’s game against Swansea in the middle of United’s back line and has previously played at both right and left back for the club this season.

CB: Daley Blind

Blind was first used at centre back by Louis van Gaal last season for United and Mourinho needs him to stand up and lead his defence on Thursday.

The former Ajax man has been in and out of the United side this season but a heavy injury list has paved his way back into the starting XI.

LB: Ashley Young

Another make shift full back called up in the time of United’s injury crisis, our landlord expects Ashley Young to play at left back on Thursday.

Young’s selflessness has really helped warm him to the hearts of the resident Red Devils in the Tavern and the appreciation really is there of the sacrifices the former Villa man has made for their side this season.

CDM: Paul Pogba

The return of Pogba is one that is greeted by a huge amount of optimism by the United fans in the Transfer Tavern.

Whilst the Frenchman has come in for some criticism this year, there is no doubt that United are a better side with him in it and his return could not have coincided better in what looks to be a busy run of fixtures for the Red Devils.

CDM: Michael Carrick

A man destined to play continental football, Carrick will look to control the pace of the game in Balaídos on Thursday in order to put his side in to a good position for the return leg.

At 35 years of age, Carrick will be hoping that this tie is not his last and it is evident in his performances this season that he is up for the fight that comes with winning a European trophy.

RAM: Jesse Lingard

Though our landlord is not a fan of Lingard’s social media antics with Paul Pogba, he cannot doubt the former United trainee’s work rate every-time he pulls on his club’s shirt.

The Red Devils in the Tavern agree and they are thrilled to see one of their own really stand up for their side this season.

CAM: Henrikh Mkhitaryan

A man with an eye for goal in the Europa League this season, United fans in the Tavern are hoping that Mkhitaryan can find the net again in Balaídos on Thursday night – his current tally stands at 5 goals in just 8 appearances in the competition this season.

Our landlord agrees that we have seen the best of the Armenian in Europe this season and feels a strong performance here will cause all sorts of trouble for Celta Vigo on Thursday night.

LAM: Anthony Martial

A man that has seemingly clashed with Jose Mourinho this season, could Martial now be the most important player in the Portuguese manager’s plans for the rest of the season?

Our landlord certainly believes so and points to the Frenchman’s speed as being vital to United’s efforts in the final third on Thursday.

ST: Marcus Rashford

Rashford’s fairytale continues so could he lead United into a Europa League final in just his second season in professional football?

Whilst it seems everything Rashford touches turns to gold at present, Celta Vigo will be no easy side for the striker but our landlord believes Rashford has the talent to cause numerous problems when Thursday night comes around.