Jose Mourinho has changed his tune about the Europa League.
A few years ago it was a competition for also-rans, a distant consolation prize and a headache for clubs.
Life comes at you fast… pic.twitter.com/8oEvvuP71x
— JOE (@JOE_co_uk) May 11, 2017
Now it’s still all of those things, but the winner of the Europa League gets a place in next season’s Champions League, and Mourinho is taking it serious.
The United manager has called Thursday’s semi-final second leg with Celta Vigo “the most important match of our history” and has named a strong team for the match at Old Trafford. Marouane Fellaini also starts.
The home side have a 1-0 lead from the first-leg, thanks to Marcus Rashford’s goal last week.
Antonio Valencia captains United, who are one game from the final in Stockholm and a chance to win the only European trophy missing from their collection.
The #MUFC team for tonight's #UEL semi-final second leg! pic.twitter.com/ttpDXIbUpy
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 11, 2017
And here’s the Celta Vigo team.
Celta XI vs. Man Utd: Alvarez; Mallo, Cabral, Roncaglia, Jonny; Wass, Radoja, Hernandez; Aspas, Sisto, Guidetti.
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) May 11, 2017
