• Adidas
  • TeamViewer
  • Tezos
  • DXC
  • Search

Early team news for United's Wembley trip

by
Adam Higgins
Thursday 19 April 2018 12:45

Jose Mourinho has suggested that he will change his starting line-up again for Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur, despite the morale-restoring win over Bournemouth in midweek.

The boss made seven alterations for the 2-0 victory over the Cherries on Wednesday night from the side beaten 1-0 at home to West Bromwich Albion last Sunday, presumably with this weekend’s crucial cup clash at Wembley in mind.

A much-changed United ran out comfortable winners at the Vitality Stadium thanks to a goal in each 45, scored by starting centre-back Chris Smalling and second-half substitute Romelu Lukaku.
Goals: Bournemouth 0 United 2 Video

Goals: Bournemouth 0 United 2

Not that you need it, but here's another opportunity to watch the goals from our 2-0 win over Bournemouth...

After the game, Mourinho was asked by reporters if any players had put themselves in contention to start against Spurs with their performance against Bournemouth.

“I would say that every player on the pitch was positive and made themselves available for [the FA Cup semi-final on] Saturday,” he said.
The boss made seven changes for Wednesday's victory against Bournemouth, with many of the starters playing for a place in Saturday's semi-final squad
“I wouldn’t say phenomenal. I think all of them played well and they told me they want to play [against Tottenham]. Obviously I am going to change the team, I am not going to repeat this team.

“I gave a rest to [Nemanja] Matic, I gave a rest to Antonio Valencia, with the objective of at least having a couple of players fresh. But all of the players told me they are here and they want [to play].”
Boss: Our away fans are incredible Video

Boss: Our away fans are incredible

The boss praised our travelling fans at the Vitality Stadium while speaking to MUTV's Stewart Gardner...

Antonio Valencia was rested completely against Bournemouth, while Matic and Lukaku both came off the bench in the second period. As a result, the trio are expected to return to the eleven for kick-off on Saturday.  

Daley Blind made a brief cameo appearance against the Cherries on his comeback from injury - his first outing in any competition since the Emirates FA Cup third-round win over Derby County on 5 January - and could remain in the matchday squad for Saturday given his ability to play in several positions.
Daley Blind came on as a second-half substitute against Bournemouth in what was the Dutchman's first appearance for the Reds since the FA Cup third round in January

Fellow defender Phil Jones also returned to action in midweek, playing from the start after just over two months out through injury.

It means Sergio Romero – who has played in every round of the FA Cup so far – is the only expected absentee, with no.1 David De Gea likely to make his first appearance in the competition since last season's 1-0 quarter-final exit at Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are set to be without right-back Kyle Walker-Peters (hamstring), left-back Danny Rose (calf strain) and midfielder Harry Winks (ankle).

Phil Jones played the full 90 minutes in Wednesday night's victory against Bournemouth after two months out on the sidelines
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino made six changes for his side’s 1-1 draw at Brighton on Tuesday night, with Dele Alli and Davinson Sanchez among those rested, but is likely to revert to a strong line-up against the Reds.

Second-choice stopper Michel Vorm has played in goal throughout their cup run, as he did last season, but no.1 Hugo Lloris was brought back for their semi-final defeat to Chelsea a year ago and Pochettino may opt to do the same this weekend.

MUTV is on air from 15:00 BST on Saturday to provide exclusive build-up to the big semi-final.

Related Keywords