Sunderland v Man United: Confirmed Lineups – Injury blow could help prepare for Europa League, says Mourinho
Manchester United take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light hoping to get back on track for a top four finish.
United manager Jose Mourinho made a few changes going into the clash, the most notable being Sergio Romero starting in goal.
Mourinho revealed in the pre match buildup that first-choice keeper David De Gea picked up an injury which forced him to make the switch.
The Red Devils boss also stated that it could end up being a blessing in disguise as far as their Europa League efforts are concerned.
Mourinho underlined that Romero will be playing against Anderlecht in the Europa League quarter-finals.
“Romero will play on Thursday so this is great preparation for the Europa League to have a game beforehand,” Mourinho said live on Sky Sports 1.
United’s Europa League rivals will be worried that Mourinho is taking the competition seriously.
In the past Premier League side have not prioritised the competition but with a top four finish starting to look unlikely for United, the Europa League could end up being their best chance of qualifying for the Champions League.
United are the bookmakers favourites to win the Europa League. Second favourites Lyon will take on Besiktas on Thursday.
Besiktas have made winning the Europa League a priority this season.
Turkish league leaders Besiktas are coming off the back of a 4-3 away victory over Trabzonspor.
Sunderland v Man United: Confirmed Lineups
Sunderland confirmed lineup: Pickford, Jones, Oviedo, Denayer, Kone, Larsson, Rodwell, Cattermole, Ndong, Andichebe, Defoe
Subs: Mannone, Djilobodji, Borini, Pienaar, Khazri, Manquillo, Gibson
Manchester United confirmed lineup: Romero, Darmian, Bailly, Rojo, Shaw, Fellaini, Herrera, Lingard, Pogba, Mkhitaryan, Ibrahimovic
Subs: Pereira, Tuanzebe, Mensah, Blind, Carrick, Martial, Rashford
