The Manchester United supporting punters here inside the Football Transfer Tavern are still bitter, after they were dumped out of the FA Cup by Antonio Conte’s red-hot Chelsea on Monday.
In-terms of silverware for the Red Devils, the Europa League is the club’s main hope this season of winning a trophy, and Mourinho will accept nothing other than a win against Russian outfit FC Rostov at Old Trafford on Thursday.
The tie currently stands at 1-1 after United surrendered a 1-0 lead in the first-leg to end up with a draw.
Our landlord here in the Transfer Tavern thinks the Manchester club have the firepower to seriously dismantle the Russian Premier League side, and is tipping Mourinho to field a very strong side to ensure the club proceed to the last eight.
After a lengthy debate between the Man United supporting fans here in the Tavern, the landlord has compiled a starting XI that he and the rest of the United fans in the pub think will dominate Rostov on Thursday…
GK: Sergio Romero
The Argentinian keeper is a solid back-up to current number one David de Gea.
His knack of producing excellent reflex saves have saved United from conceding an array of goals in cup competitions this season, so we expect to see him start against Rostov.
RB: Antonio Valencia
The Ecuadorian powerhouse bombing up and down the flanks has become a staple of Mourinho’s first Man United side and he is crucial to their attacking play.
Always likely to find space, he’s proved a few doubters wrong of late thanks to his performances.
CB: Eric Bailly
Left out of the Chelsea game, surely Eric Bailly will return as United focus on Champions League qualification through the means of the Europa League.
As robust as they come, the Ivorian has been a wonderful signing, despite eyebrows raised upon his initial arrival at Old Trafford.
CB: Marcos Rojo
Like him or loathe him, there’s little doubt the Argentine is a huge part of Mourinho’s first Man United defence.
While his antics against Chelsea may not have been the most respectful, Louis van Gaal’s big defensive signing is becoming a key part of Jose’s backline.
A truly dogged defender.
LB: Daley Blind
Matteo Darmian operated well in tracking Eden Hazard and Willian across the field, though is naturally a right-back, something increasingly evident the more time he’s afforded time on the ball.
With that in mind, bringing Daley Blind in that role in order to help retain possession could be a good move, with Luke Shaw almost entirely unfancied by Mourinho.
CM: Michael Carrick
Rostov are likely to sit back and defend deep at Old Trafford so it will be a game that requires patience from Manchester United, which Carrick brings in abundance.
The English veteran may not be the most progressive of options, but he can sit deep and keep the ball ticking over, which will be vital in breaking down the Russians’ rearguard, while his ability to drop in as a third centre-back could be useful for allowing the full-backs to get forward.
CM: Ander Herrera
With a red card picked up at Chelsea in the FA Cup, Herrera seems a logical choice for the Rostov clash given that he will miss this weekend’s Premier League tie with Middlesbrough anyway.
The Spaniard has been excellent in recent weeks, offering the energy and tenacity his midfield partners need to function in their own roles.
CAM: Paul Pogba
Physically, Pogba is one of the best around. With terrific stamina and real explosive power, the Frenchman should be fine for the quick turnaround in games and Mourinho will be desperate to get his best players on the pitch, even if this is only the Europa League.
With Carrick and Herrera behind him, Pogba will be free to get forward and use his technical quality to create chances and, perhaps, even get a vital goal.
RM: Juan Mata
With Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney both struggling with fitness issues, Mata may well get the nod after seeing out the Chelsea match on the bench.
One of few players in this Man United squad able to unpick a tight defence, the Spaniard will be needed against a Rostov side that know a 0-0 draw will book their spot in the quarter-finals.
LM: Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Subbed off in the wake of Herrera’s red card at Chelsea, Mkhitaryan should be fresh enough for the visit of Rostov.
The Armenian playmaker netted the Red Devils’ goal away in Russia and has looked like the player the club paid all that money for over the summer, so there’s a good chance he could once again be decisive at the Theatre of Dreams.
ST: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Still in the middle of his domestic ban, all logic suggests that Ibrahimovic will be thrust into the XI for the Rostov clash.
The giant Swede’s goal record since his move to Man United speaks for itself and the fact that he’s well rested due to his aforementioned disciplinary issues means he’ll be at the peak of his powers, while Marcus Rashford did little vs. Chelsea to justify a spot in the team.
