Jose Mourinho has captain Wayne Rooney fit and available ahead of the visit of Watford at Old Trafford on Saturday. Phil Jones is out injured.
Manchester United host Watford at Old Trafford on Saturday in a match that could potentially see the Red Devils finally take off from the sixth spot they have occupied for more than two months. As they look to close the gap on their rivals, they can extend their unbeaten streak to 16.
Watford, meanwhile, will be looking to inflict another shock defeat in the Premier League after their 2-1 win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium two weeks ago. Ahead of the Gameweek 25 encounter, here’s the team news for Manchester United.
The team news front bears good news for the Manchester United boss, as Jose Mourinho has just one injury concern to deal with.
That is because club captain Wayne Rooney has recovered from the illness that forced him to miss the trip to Leicester City last week. The Manchester United record goalscorer is expected to take his place on the bench on Saturday.
Jose Mourinho to #MUTV: “Jones is still missing. Wayne is fine.” #MUFC pic.twitter.com/S8t0zzRgwX
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 10, 2017
Rooney’s availability leaves Mourinho with just Phil Jones on the treatment table, as the England centre-back continues to remain absent with the bruised foot that forced him off midway through the goalless stalemate against Hull City two weeks ago.
In Jones’ absence, Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly are expected to take their place in the heart of the Manchester United defence, with Mourinho indicating the same in his pre-match press conference.
“Every team needs four central defenders,” said Mourinho in his presser. “But we coped well without Eric. The other guys did very, very well. Now it’s time for Jones to be out and time for Eric to be in. Of course, we’re happy he played already that last match and he showed again security and understanding with the other guys, so we’re fine.”
Meanwhile, Marcos Rojo is available after the Argentine was forced off at half-time against Leicester last week. However, he could be on the bench on Saturday, with Luke Shaw pushing for more game time in the first team.
The English left-back will be eager to make a first start for Manchester United since November, and if given a chance he would be looking to make amends after what was one of his worst performances for the Red Devils in the reverse fixture against Watford at Vicarage Road, which they embarrassingly lost 3-1.
The only other major change on Saturday could see Anthony Martial start in attack for Manchester United, with the struggling Frenchman replacing Marcus Rashford to slot in at left wing.