Jose Mourinho was coy on Marcos Rojo’s availability for Wednesday as Manchester United look to return to winning ways at home against Bournemouth.
Manchester United’s title chances may have been hurt a lot by the derby defeat over the weekend. But, the Red Devils will now be looking to maintain, and if possible, lessen the gap on Manchester City and the road starts with the home tie against Bournemouth. Marcos Rojo, though, could be unavailable for the midweek match.
Jose Mourinho confirmed Marcos Rojo’s fitness troubles, stating in his pre-match conference that the Argentine is indeed a doubt for the Bournemouth game while also placing his faith in the other options at his disposal, in case Rojo does not manage to recover in time.
“He [Marcos Rojo]’s a brave guy. I don’t know how he is – let’s see if he can be ready for the match. But if he’s not ready, we have other alternatives to play. Phil Jones was already on the bench at the weekend. The injury is behind him and hopefully he can stay fit for the rest of the games.”
Jose spoke to #MUTV about Marcos Rojo’s fitness: “He’s a brave guy. I don’t know – let’s see if he can be ready for the match. but if he’s not ready, we have other alternatives to play.” #MUFC pic.twitter.com/CtFQ0Zba7M
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 12, 2017
Apart from Rojo, Eric Bailly is also out, meaning that Jose Mourinho has Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof to choose from in central defence, unless the manager decides to hand a rare start to Axel Tuanzebe. Lindelof has been impressive in the recent weeks and looked good after coming on for Rojo at half-time in the derby.
The Swede has been tipped to start and the player should be partnered by one of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling. Up ahead, the midfield also poses problems for Mourinho, with Paul Pogba serving his suspension while Marouane Fellaini is doubtful for the game.
Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic should continue to be the pivot for Wednesday unless Fellaini becomes fit or Jose decides to field McTominay. The lone striker though, could change, with Romelu Lukaku not in the best of form and Zlatan Ibrahimovic nearing full fitness.
The Swede veteran could be handed an opportunity on Wednesday as Manchester United start their form rebuild after the narrow derby defeat.
