Mourinho: Manchester United squad fully fit for derby
Jose Mourinho updates his squad ahead of tomorrow’s Manchester derby.
Manchester United fans will be pleased to hear that the entire squad is available to play against Manchester City. That includes Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Speaking to MUTV, Jose Mourinho said, “It’s not the same as if we were here all week and working, resting and not traveling, but there are no injuries and everybody has returned safely and on time for at least one training session.”
The boss also says that the mood is calm ahead of the derby: "We are fine, we are ready, we are waiting." #MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 9, 2016
Considering who could’ve missed the game, that’s a big boost for United. Shaw and Valencia have both been terrific defensively and in the attack early this season. And Mkhitaryan played well enough his last time out to possibly earn a starting spot for the derby.
Mourinho admitted to MUTV that the Armenian might not be ready for a full match, but would be ready if called upon.
As for the match itself, Mourinho doesn’t believe the derby is bigger than other games United will play this season. The manager explained at his pre-match press conference that he understands how important a derby is for everyone, but claimed it’s just a game against a very good team.
“We are playing to try and win the title,” Mourinho said. “When you do this, there is no match more important than another one when it comes to this stage of the season.”
Mourinho also explained why not having Sergio Aguero makes City more difficult to face. Aguero was suspended for three games for throwing an elbow in City’s match against West Ham.
Jose Mourinho: "It is more difficult. When Aguero is available we know their formation. They have so many options." pic.twitter.com/WXkpY8vhFB
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) September 9, 2016
It will be interesting to see how this matchup plays out. It’s the first time Mourinho and Pep Guardiola will meet in the Premier League and a big game for each of the club’s new signings. Plus, this match features arguably the two best teams in the league, and it’s only Match Week 4.
All of the characters seem ready to take the stage at Old Trafford. Now it’s time for everybody else to sit back and enjoy the show.
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