Manchester United will be without Eric Bailly and Marcos Rojo for the UEFA Europa League final against Ajax. With only two recognized senior central defenders in Phil Jones and Chris Smalling at his disposal, Jose Mourinho has a decision to make.
In the late stages of the UEL semi-final second leg at Old Trafford, Bailly was sent off for raising a hand against Celta Vigo’s John Guidetti. It’s such a shame to see Bailly miss United’s season-defining game at Stockholm, especially considering that he has arguably been United’s most consistent central defender over the course of the season. Having lost Marcos Rojo to a season-ending injury earlier in the season, United’s options are limited at the back. Here we run the rule over the players who are in contention to start at central defensive position in United’s final game of the season.
Having featured prominently at the centre-back position under Louis van Gaal last season, Blind has been used much more sparingly by Mourinho this season. It’s actually not very surprising because to put it simply, he does not fall into Mourinho’s idea of a central defender. To the player’s credit, Blind has played his way into the manager’s plans ahead of the final with some solid performances over the last few games. There’s every chance that he will be given the nod to start against his former club.Chance to start: 9/10
Following his recent injury problems, Jones made his first start in almost two months against Arsenal on May 7th. He played the whole game and also lasted the whole 90 minutes in the following games against Spurs, Southampton, and Crystal Palace. Played fairly well and hardly put a foot wrong in those games. Probably picked for the last game in order to build up his match fitness and should be in contention to start ahead of Smalling.
Chance to start: 7/10
hris Smalling
Made his return from injury in the same game as Jones but was at fault for one of the goals conceded then. Also played the whole 90 minutes against Spurs and Southampton but generally looked rustier compared to his England compatriot, highlighted by a couple of nervy moments in all of the games. Missed training prior to United’s penultimate game of the season and was missing from the matchday squad. Slight chance to start in Stockholm.
Chance to start: 6/10
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