Ahead of Manchester United’s Champions League opener against FC Basel at Old Trafford tomorrow evening, Jose Mourinho gave an update on Marouane Fellaini’s injury and a hint on what his starting 11 would look like against the Swiss side.
During his press conference this afternoon, Jose Mourinho revealed that the Belgian who missed Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Stoke failed to train on Sunday. ‘Fellaini didn’t train yesterday, let’s see if he can today. He’s a very important player for me. Much more important than what you can imagine,’ he said.
“I feel weaker without Fellaini in my squad, it doesn’t matter if it is on the pitch or if it is on the bench. So if he’s condition has improved he will be selected, because I need him but at this moment, I cannot say yet.”
The Portuguese then went ahead to confirm that David De Gea would start in goal despite Sergio Romero being first choice in the Europa League last season. ‘I think at this moment David is playing very well and is very confident. I will go with David tomorrow again.’
Mourinho also added that there would be a change in United’s centre back partnership with the suspended Eric Bailly and Phil Jones making way for new signing, Victor Lindelof and Chris Smalling. “Even if Bailly and Jones were not suspended, probably I would still play Lindelof and Smalling tomorrow. They are at the same level, they are just different players,” he said.
