Manchester United vs Fenerbahce: Wayne Rooney could return as Jose Mourinho eyes Chelsea reunion

Mourinho insisted that no one in his team is 'untouchable'

Jack Austin
Thursday 20 October 2016 09:40 BST
Comments
Jose Mourinho will ask the FA not to include Marcus Rashford in the Under-21's squad if he plays for England
Jose Mourinho will ask the FA not to include Marcus Rashford in the Under-21's squad if he plays for England (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Jose Mourinho could be set to rotate his Manchester United squad for Thursday night’s Europa League tie with Fenerbahce as he casts an eye toward’s Sunday’s showdown with Chelsea.

The United boss faces a return to Stamford Bridge for the first time since his sacking nearly 12 months ago and wants a full squad to choose from as he looks to build on the 0-0 draw with Liverpool at Anfield on Monday night.

So far this season, United have not won either of their two Premier League games following a Europa League tie, losing 2-1 to Manchester City after defeat away to Feyenoord before drawing 1-1 at home to Stoke after beating Zorya at Old Trafford.

Mourinho has already stated that Luke Shaw will start the game but has not confirmed whether Wayne Rooney will be recalled to the XI to face the Turkish side against whom he famously scored a debut hat-trick for the Red Devils in 2004.

Rooney has not started the last four games for Man United, as well as finding himself dropped for England’s last qualifier against Slovenia.

But Mourinho insisted he is still important, saying: “He is positive, he is a good example. We count on him to start or be on the bench. He will be there tomorrow [Thursday].”

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is expected to be fit enough to return after not featuring since the derby defeat against Manchester City last month, while Anthony Martial may get some minutes after missing out against Liverpool.

Mourinho also warned his squad this week that no one in his squad is ‘untouchable’ and star summer signings Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic could see themselves left out tonight as they prepare for the game at Stamford Bridge.

Is this how Manchester United will line up against Fenerbahce? Set us know your team in the comments section below.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in