Manchester United have announced their 20-man squad for their opening Europa League clash against Feyenoord but there is a surprise omission from the team. United skipper Wayne Rooney has been left out of the team which will travel to the Netherlands. Another big name missing in the list is Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
United boss Jose Mourinho had earlier said that he would be looking to rotate the squad in order to keep the team fresh for the Premier League during the weekend and his team selection proves that.
Wayne Rooney has not in the terrific form in the recent times and there were speculations that Mourinho dropped him for his form. However, the Portuguese tactician has said that he did not include Rooney in the list because he wants to keep him fresh.
Speaking at the press conference ahead of the match, Mourinho said: “He has played every game since the start of the season and he played 90 minutes with England.
“I want him to be fresh for the next games.
“He plays in an attacking position where I have lots of options.”
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford who impressed in the derby clash after coming off the bench in the second half is expected to make his first start of the season. Mourinho has already said that he is looking to give the youngster his first start.
Other notable absentees from the team are Antonio Valencia and Luke Shaw. Their absence means Marcos Rojo and Matteo Darmian are in line to make their first appearance under Mourinho.
Speaking of Rojo, Mourinho said: “I didn’t make the decision based on that negative episode (Shaw’s broken leg).
“Luke is a very good player, who is working well and hard.
“My options in the first four matches have been Luke, Luke, Luke, Luke. It is time for Marcos to play.”
Meanwhile, United will be looking to get back to winning ways after their perfect start to the season was ended by a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City. However, they will have to be at their best to defeat the Dutch club who have opened their new season with five wins on the trot. Both teams have played against each other twice before during the 97/98 Champions League. United came out on top on both the occasions as they won the 2 legs of the game.
United’s squad in full:
Goalkeepers: De Gea, Romero, Johnstone;
Defenders: Darmian, Bailly, Blind, Fosu-Mensah, Rojo, Smalling;
Midfielders: Carrick, Fellaini, Herrera, Mata, Memphis, Pogba, Schneiderlin, Young; Strikers: Ibrahimovic, Martial, Rashford.