Though they ultimately progressed into the final of the EFL Cup, the Manchester United fans in the Transfer Tavern are somewhat concerned about the fact their side actually lost to Hull City in the second leg.
Still, the Red Devils have an immediate chance to rectify that blotch on their copybook as the Tigers roll into Old Trafford on Wednesday, fighting for their lives towards the wrong end of the Premier League.
For United, however, the game represents a great chance to keep up their chase for Champions League qualification and extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League. His side may not be tearing teams apart right now, though the Portuguese has introduced a steady solidity to the ranks.
With those at the Theatre of Dreams desperate to be thrilled, the fourth meeting of the season with the Humberside outfit provides a real chance to keep up their recent run of good results.
That being said, here’s the 4-3-3 XI Mourinho should field to batter Hull City.
GK: David De Gea
Not much more that can be said about the Spaniard, who is clearly one of the best stoppers in the country and will take some beating.
RB: Antonio Valencia
Looks like an ideal Mourinho player with every passing game, bombing down the wings with aplomb and will certainly be up for the physical side of things indeed.
CB: Phil Jones
Is Mourinho the man to finally get the best out of Phil Jones? Since returning from injury, the 24-year-old has been a rock in central defence, looking at his most assured in years.
CB: Chris Smalling
Has some convincing to do to prove he’s a better foil for Jones than the man on the next slide, though injuries have not helped him try and rediscover the sort of form he showed last year. Needs a big performance.
LB: Marcos Rojo
While Chris Smalling should be handed a starting berth in central defence, Marcos Rojo’s form this term makes him somewhat undroppable right now. The Argentine should retain his place at left-back, playing his way into perhaps the regular in that position of late.
CM: Michael Carrick
United’s metronome, the 35-year-old provides their engine room with a balance not at all prevalent during their early season malaise. Carrick is crucial in allowing Paul Pogba to flourish, something that needs to be a priority at Old Trafford.
CM: Ander Herrera
Where Carrick sits, Ander Herrera is the energetic presence getting up and down the pitch, keeping the ball in tight areas and allowing the Red Devils to break. Absolutely vital.
CM: Paul Pogba
It’s been a difficult season for the Frenchman, though there have been more good performances that he’s perhaps given credit for. Seems to enjoy playing against the Tigers and will surely have freedom to run at defences.
RM: Juan Mata
Reverting to the inverted right-winger role he was first deployed in by Louis van Gaal, Juan Mata drifting in from wide areas is a wonderful option to partner Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
ST: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Conquering all before him, the Swede is a palpable goal threat from any angle and has taken to life in England with absolute ease.
LM: Henrikh Mkhitaryan
The Armenian attacker looks like a completely different player to the one who struggled earlier this season and gives United a speed on the left to break behind enemy lines.
