Our Manchester United in the Transfer Tavern are hopeful the Red Devils can brush aside Spanish side Sevilla over the two legs in the Champions League.

The Red Devils are back in amongst the European elite this season after winning the Europa League last year, much to the delight of the punters propping up our bar. Now, they come up against regular Europa League winners Sevilla, in what will be a tough encounter away. Mourinho has had a tough February so far and will be looking at grinding out a result to take back to Old Trafford and United can’t afford to go out in this round as they look to build for next season.

Not many of the fans in the bar expect United to win the Champions League but are hoping that that can get through this round to the last eight of the competition and, while the La Liga outfit are clearly a good side, a loss would really prove frustrating for those at the Theatre of Dreams.

Mourinho, in order to secure the win, must have players in his squad to trust with the job in hand and, with that, our landlord believes the Portuguese needs to drop these TWO players…

Chris Smalling

Against Newcastle Chris Smalling had one of his worse games for United, and his ridiculous dive led to the winning goal. However, Mourinho can not have this kind of temperamental defender in the back line against a Sevilla side which will be tough and has major European pedigree in recent years.

Mourinho has often opted for Victor Lindelof in the Champions League this season and that may continue this week.

Juan Mata

Juan Mata may make way for Jesse Lingard in the midfield trio spot after recent performances. Lingard is often preferred in games where Mourinho has a certain style or tactic he wants to execute. Furthermore, Lingard is a player Mourinho trusts to the hilt and knows he can track back as well as use his pace to leap forward should the opportunity arise.

Mata may be suited to a later appearance if the team need a bit of guile breaking down Sevilla.