Jose Mourinho confirmed Wayne Rooney as a starter for Manchester United’s FA Cup tie against Reading while Bastian Schweinsteiger is also in the matchday squad.
Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney is set to return to the starting eleven for their FA Cup Third Round tie against Reading FC at Old Trafford, as has been confirmed by manager Jose Mourinho. Also confirmed to be starting is second-choice goalkeeper Sergio Romero.
Mourinho was upbeat as he announced in the pre-match conference that the full Manchester United squad is injury-free and available, with the exception of Eric Bailly, who is away on international duty at African Cup of Nations (AFCoN).
He said,“ There are zero injuries.Zero injuries! We have 27 players and zero injuries. During the season, we have never had big, big problems with that. We had the normal amount of injuries that happen all the time but, in this moment, we have zero. We have every player available apart from Bailly, who is in the African cup.”
Bastian Schweinsteiger has also been included in the matchday squad and is in contention to start his first game for Manchester United under Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese was asked about Schweinsteiger and his response only means positive things for the German veteran.
“He wants to stay, he is staying and he is an option,” Mourinho said.
“Because he’s an option, he’s selected for tomorrow, he was selected for Crystal Palace and he was selected for Middlesbrough. He’s an option, he’s waiting for a chance to play and I think January is a good month for that, with so many matches.”
For Reading FC, Jaap Stam returns to his old hunting ground, albeit as a manager. Along with the club legend, Manchester United academy graduates Paul McShane and Tyler Blackett are set to return to Old Trafford as well.
The Royals are flying high in third place on the Championship table and would be eyeing a Premier League scalp as they travel to face Manchester United.
Jaap Stam would want to mark his return to Old Trafford with a win, and while the United faithful are sure to welcome back their treble-winning hero, they would hope the Dutchman does not have a fairytale return.