Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has said that he would like Nemanja Vidic but unfortunately he has to settle for Nemanja Matic for Saturday’s trip to Southampton.
Mourinho made five changes from the United side that defeated Young Boys in the Champions League during the week with Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay, Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini and Matic all included in the starting line-up.
It’s likely that one of those players, or potentially even those of those players, will partner Phil Jones in the centre of defence with Mourinho explaining that the decision to include five midfielders in his side was borne out of an injury crisis in defence.
“I would like to have Nemanja Vidic but no Nemanja Vidic, only Nemanja Matic, and he’s a midfield player,” Mourinho told BT Sport before the game.
“[Chris] Smalling has a pain in his foot so he’s not available to play, Eric Bailly has a pain in his back so he’s not available to play, Marcos Rojo trained yesterday for the first time with the group after a long absence. He’s not ready to play. He’s ready to help but he’s not ready to start. [Victor] Lindelof has an important injury and the only centre-back we have available to play is Phil [Jones].”
Meanwhile Republic of Ireland striker Michael Obafemi will make his first Premier League start for Southampton against Manchester United on Saturday.
Obafemi will start up front with Nathan Redmond, Stuart Armstorng and David Lemina in support while Yan Valery will make his debut in defence for the Saints.
