Manchester United take on Valencia in their final Champions’ League group game on Wednesday night. Andreas Pereira has had to wait patiently for opportunities at Manchester United this season. Manchester United have the luxury of knowing they have already qualified for the knock-out stages of the Champions League when they take on Valencia on Wednesday. Perhaps that is just as well, as United are without a number of key players for the trip to Spain. Alexis Sanchez, Victor Lindelof, Anthony Martial, Diogo Dalot, Matteo Darmian and Luke Shaw all missed training ahead of the team flying out to Valencia, while David De Gea and Nemanja Matic could be rested.
“We need to rest players,” Mourinho told MUTV. “These last two matches Arsenal and today, today was really strong. We go to Valencia, there are some that need to rest, some need to play. A question of trust and a question of justice, too. “So if I say [Sergio] Romero plays, or he deserves to play, if I say a kid that is working like a tiger and is not playing much like Andreas Pereira is going to have a start, I’m going to make changes in the team because we have qualified.” Youngsters Mason Greenwood and James Garner travelled with the squad as Mourinho’s line-up could have a youthful look to it at the Mestalla. f De Gea is rested, then Sergio Romero has a chance to redeem himself after his red card against Derby in the Carabao Cup.
In defence, Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia are the only two fit full-backs, unless Mourinho was to move one of Eric Bailly or Marcos Rojo to the left. Bailly will probably partner Phil Jones in the middle, and Rojo is still returning to fitness, so Mourinho’s safer option would be to stick with Young at left-back. The manager hinted at a rare start for Andreas Pereira, and said after the win over Fulham that Paul Pogba would get a chance to show what he can do after dropping to the bench for the last two fixtures.
Mourinho is clearly feeling generous, so could start Fred in the midfield trio in a game with less riding on it. Alternatively, Ander Herrera or Scott McTominay are options in midfield. Going forward, Marcus Rashford has played a lot recently and would benefit from a rest, and Romelu Lukaku has two goals in his last two starts. The Belgian has been in and out of form this season, so any hints of a revival for United’s number nine should be seized and Lukaku should get another chance. Juan Mata would love to play against his former club, while Jesse Lingard can also take another step towards hitting his top stride with game time. Garner and Greenwood can make their debuts from the bench if things going to plan, as United prepare for a big game at Liverpool on Saturday.
