Possible Mourinho Motive against Palace 19 May 2017 21:57

As Manchester United prepare for their final Premier League game of the season, we look at another reason José Mourinho might have to play his youngster against Crystal Palace.

By Frank Mead, Editor

The Premier League season comes to a close this weekend, and Manchester United manager José Mourinho has already stated his intentions to play a young inexperienced side. While this initially led to widespread criticism, now that it has been confirmed that Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Hull City have been relegated, the outrage regarding his selection has largely died down.

Given that United play Ajax in the Europa League Final just three days after the Crystal Palace match, Mourinho was always going to rest his key players to guard against unnecessary injuries. There is another factor, however. Considering United’s squad are already down to the bare bones ahead of the final, there is the distinct possibility that any of the youngsters he selects against Palace at Old Trafford might just be needed in Stockholm.

Selection Problems

Even before Manchester United kicked a ball in the semi-final, they knew that at least two key members of their squad would not feature if they made the final. Top goalscorer Zlatan Ibrahimovi? and defender Marcos Rojo both suffered injuries, which ruled them out for the season, against Anderlecht in the quarter-final. Since then, both Ashley Young and Luke Shaw have also been told that they won’t feature again this term. As a result, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have been fast-tracked back from injury, with neither looking convincing since returning.

Towards the end of the semi-final second leg against Celta Vigo, Eric Bailly was foolishly sent off, and is suspended against Ajax. Marouane Fellaini hobbled out of the midweek draw at Southampton, with Mourinho yet to confirm if he will be available in Stockholm. Dutch midfielder Tim Fosu-Mensah has, however, made a recovery from a shoulder injury sustained in the derby against Manchester City. Whether he can get up to match fitness quickly enough to be considered for selection on Wednesday is another matter.

United have five players who have absolutely no chance of playing against Ajax, and four of them are defensive options. There are still five days to go before the Red Devils clash with the Dutch giants, and several training sessions still to be played. While it is unlikely that the players will be doing marathons in the build-up, even in light training a player can pull something that will rule him out for a week or more.

What is the Answer?

The Old Trafford treatment room is already full to bursting and, given our luck with injuries so far this season, nobody would be too surprised if we needed to squeeze anyone else in. The game against Crystal Palace might not just be about resting key players, but seeing who would be a prime candidate to take their place if our injury jinx should strike once again.

The main problems for United at the moment are clearly in defence, but what if similar misfortune should befit the midfield? Fellaini may not be a favourite of most United fans, but he is a senior member of the squad. If he doesn’t recover in time then someone will have to fill his place. Similarly in attack, Ibrahimovi? is already out, and if Marcus Rashford or Anthony Martial picked up a knock, or were ill on the day of the game, United would need to at least have other options to look at.

Who might be in with a chance?

From the players who are likely to play on Sunday, the most obvious youngster would seem to be Axel Tuanzebe. Following his impressive full debut at Arsenal, he played in a midfield role against Tottenham last weekend. While his display wasn’t particularly eye-catching, for a player making only his second start, and out of position once again, he emerged from the game with more credit than most. He also played against Southampton, and given United’s lack of defensive options, plus the seamless way that he has made the transition from the reserves to the first team, it is probable that he will at least be in the squad. On Thursday night he was named Reserve Player of the Year.

Mourinho has confirmed that Joel Pereira will start in goal on Sunday, and that Sergio Romero will be selected against Ajax. Whether or not David de Gea moves to Real Madrid in the summer, it is still likely he will be on the bench in Stockholm. But none of us know what goes on behind the scenes, and if United have accepted the Spaniard is leaving, he may wish to give Pereira match day experience of a European final. There is no second guessing the Portuguese manager at the best of times.

Tim Fosu-Mensah has also been confirmed to start against Palace, as the manager looks to assess whether the Dutch midfielder is ready for such a big match on Wednesday. If he comes through unscathed, he could be a valuable asset in Stockholm, given that he can play in a number of defensive and midfield positions. Many fans are disappointed at having not seen much of him this season, as his elevation to the first team was one of the few bright spots of the van Gaal era. Playing a vital role in a European final, against his former club, could be a perfect end to a frustrating campaign.

Whoever plays in midfield against Palace will have Paul Pogba alongside them. This will be his first appearance since the untimely death of his father, and Mourinho has confirmed he needs minutes on the pitch. For the likes of Matthew Willock, Zachary Dearnley and recent debutant Scott McTominay, playing alongside the world’s most expensive player can surely only benefit them. If Fellaini doesn’t recover in time for Stockholm, it seems certain that Pogba, Herrera and Carrick will start in the middle of the park. If that is the case, back up will be needed on the bench. Impressing Mourinho against Palace would give any of them a good chance to fill that space.

Well Covered

The one area where United don’t have too many issues is in the final third. Despite the injury to Zlatan Ibrahimovi?, they still have plenty of players to fill all positions. Rooney, Rashford and Martial can all play as the main striker, or part of a front two.  They have all played on the flanks at some point, as have Juan Mata, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Jesse Lingard. Half of those players have also played in the number ten role behind the striker before as well.

With the above in mind, it is highly unlikely that any forwards from the youth team will be required in Stockholm. Demetri Mitchell is looking a certain starter on Sunday, and Mourinho has also stated that this season’s Young Player of the Year, Angel Gomes, is in contention as well. The latter, at just 16 years old, is the youngest player ever to win the award, and has been earning rave reviews from those who have seen him play.

There is one slight possibility to consider, however, although it is a real long shot. If either of those players makes a debut like Marcus Rashford’s last season, it might give the manager something to think about. None of United’s forwards have set the world alight in recent weeks after all.

Final Thought

It has been a strange season, and one in which United have underachieved in the Premier League. Despite making two cup finals, winning one so far, it was not expected that we would need to rely on UEFA’s other trophy to ensure Champions League qualification. Plenty of players at Old Trafford have flattered to deceive this term, and it is likely that several will depart over the summer.

If United do pick up any further injuries over the next few days, Sunday’s game could turn into an audition for a place in the squad for Stockholm. But there is something else worth considering. The match against Palace, while effectively a dead rubber in terms of this season, might be more important than any of us realised. In addition to giving Mourinho an idea of whether any of his youngsters may be a viable option against Ajax, it could also alter his transfer plans. Seeing a player in training is different to putting them in at the deep end. A couple of good performances in the next few days might convince him that he already has options in some of the positions he is looking to strengthen.

One of the players United are reportedly looking at this summer is Real Madrid striker Álvaro Morata, a player that Mourinho gave a debut to. He would be a fantastic addition and is proof, if it were needed, that the Portuguese manager will give youth a chance if they can show they are good enough.

Sunday will be a chance for some of United’s youngsters to do just that.