Manchester United boss, Jose Mourinho, has revealed why he chose Juan Mata to start in place of Anthony Martial for the Europa League final against Ajax.
The Spain midfielder was an unused substitute for their second leg semi-final against Celta Vigo and did not feature at all against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Anthony Martial played the second half against The Eagles, but started on the bench on Wednesday evening.
Speaking to BT Sport prior to kick off, the Portuguese explained that his decision was purely tactical.
“Juan Mata is in,” Mourinho said.
“It is important to start with experience and a brain and then go to speed and freshness.”
The United manager also explained why he picked Chris Smalling instead of Phil Jones.
“I was pushed to choose Chris Smalling and not Phil Jones because he recovered from injury one week quicker.”
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