Manchester United beat St. Etienne today 1-0 in the Europa League, and advanced to the round of 16 on aggregate 4-0. United Manager Jose Mourinho gave some injury/fitness answers about his players during the post match press opportunities.
Attacking forward Henrikh Mkhitaryan and midfielder Michael Carrick might be out for the EFL Cup final against Southampton on Sunday. Asked if the pair will be ready to go for the League Cup finale at Wembley Stadium, Mourinho responded:
“Honestly, I don’t think so. I think Henrikh and Michael are both out. But, this is based on my experience, not on my medical knowledge and not based on tests and what they have to do tomorrow.I think no chance but, I repeat, it’s just my experience. A calf, a hamstring, even if it’s a minor injury, some fibre damage, I think they’re out.”
Mourinho made a great point about how and when injuries can strike. It’s all bad luck and you just never know.
“You can get hurt when you leave your house, you never know when or where. It is a result of so many games. But when someone’s missing, it is the opportunity for another.”
The much maligned Marouane Fellaini, and the almost never ever sees playing time Bastian Schweinsteiger filled in nicely.
“Not having them before the final is complicated. But Marouane and Bastian, two players who do not play so much, gave good answers.”
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times and Bold, contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication, CGTN America, WGN CLTV News and KOZN.
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