Wednesday, August 29, 2018
EPL Manchester United v Swansea preview
EPL Manchester United v Swansea preview
Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones and Ander Herrera are available for Man Utd, who welcome Swansea City in the Premier League.
Rojo played the full 90 minutes of Argentinas 6-1 thrashing by Spain in midweek, which was his first appearance since the start of February, while Herrera and Jones have recovered from hamstring injuries.
Swansea remain in the mix for relegation - although are currently three points clear of 18th spot - but Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has seen a big improvement under his fellow countryman Carlos Carvalhal.
"Since Carlos arrived its obvious the team has improved a lot, they have got points that many wouldnt expect them to have got," Mourinho said.
"So, we will face a team that are very well organised, especially from a defensive point of view. Swansea are dangerous on the counter-attack.
"They are powerful from set-pieces, using the aerial ability of their three centre-backs. And from a mental point of view, you can feel the fantastic work by Carlos, the team looks happy and confident."
Carvalhal has lost only two of his 10 league games since his December appointment and travel north with optimism having won twice and drawn once on their last five visits to Old Trafford.
"We know they are very powerful at home and win maybe 95 per cent of the games, especially Mourinho teams," the Swansea manager said. "For this game 99.99 per cent of people will see them as favourites.
"But the 0.01 per cent - me and my team - think we can achieve points. If we dont believe, why would people believe in us? This is a big challenge, but lets fight and find the correct answers."
Ashley Young is a doubt to face Swansea after suffering a knee complaint towards the end of Englands 1-1 draw with Italy, while Mourinho says back-up goalkeeper Sergio Romero is out for a "few weeks" after being involved in a collision on Argentina duty.
Daley Blind is back in training after injury but not available to feature. Mourinho suggested Scott McTominay is available and Zlatan Ibrahimovic has joined the LA Galaxy since United were last in action.
Swansea have no fresh injury worries. Andy King and Andre Ayew are both expected to return to the starting line-up after being ineligible for the FA Cup defeat to Tottenham two weeks ago.
Jordan Ayew serves the second game of a three-match ban, while Renato Sanches (hamstring) and Angel Rangel (groin) remain out.