Chris Smalling says Manchester United’s players need to stand up and be counted to avoid an “unacceptable” third successive defeat.
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For a man with a keen eye on his position in the football hierarchy, competing in the Europa League for the first time in 13 years was an unappetising prospect for Mourinho and his players seemed equally uninspired as a much-changed United line-up succumbed to Vilhena’s late strike at De Kuip.
However, Mourinho said he would revert to a “normal team” for Sunday’s trip to Watford, with the likes of Antonio Valencia and Luke Shaw set to return.
Jones has been hampered by injuries since his move to Old Trafford from Blackburn Rovers in 2011, and was restricted to just 13 appearances for United last season due to ankle and foot problems.
The match will take place at the Feyenoord Stadium.
Herrera came on as a half-time sub in the Manchester Derby and lifted Mourinho’s side to an improved second half performance and the Portuguese manager noted how he allowed United to maintain attacking pressure with his pressing game.
79 – GOAL! Feyenoord 1-0 United. Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side is full of experience and contains a number of former Premier League players.
Yes – the match will be televised on BT Sport in the UK.
Tickets for this match have sold out.
For the first time in their history, Manchester United have lost their opening group game in Europe in consecutive seasons.
Rooney joined United from the Blues in June 2004 for a fee worth around £27m, and has gone on to win 17 trophies during his 12-year stay in Manchester.
But even more worrying for Mourinho is his side at least improved in the second half of that 2-1 loss to Manchester City. Juan Mata and Anthony Martial drifted anonymously, failing to provide any discernible support to a completely isolated Marcus Rashford.
The absence of Wayne Rooney and the presence of Rashford is what a sizable proportion of United fans want.
“(Rooney) has played every game since the start of the season and he played 90 minutes with England”, Mourinho said, as quoted by Sky Sports. I can not judge them only on one game. They also have a lack of creative playmakers in the middle of the park meaning that Herrera could use his technical skillset to great effect in the Watford half, especially if he can win the ball high up the pitch and isolate the three-man defence. It’s a big challenge.
The Red Devils’ captain has received offers to play in China where teams are willing to pay huge amount in the far East nation. You will be punished if you make mistakes at this level.
“I think (the confidence) does take a little knock, but I think we can’t forget some of the chances we created”.
“The squad United are taking to Rotterdam has a lot of individual quality and experience”. However that doesn’t excuse the world’s most expensive footballer as this is exactly the sort of game he needs to be taking by the scruff of the neck and dominating.
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“We have to look at it with respect”.
