I might play in defence for United against Swansea – Mourinho

Manchester United coach, Jose Mourinho, has joked that he might have to play in defence against Swansea this Sunday, because of his injury crisis.

Mourinho saw his options further reduced during the 0-0 draw with Manchester City on Thursday, after Marouane Fellaini was red-carded and Timothy Fosu-Mensah suffered an arm injury.

United are also currently without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marcos Rojo, Juan Mata, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.

Paul Pogba is expected to be fit for the Europa League semi-final first leg with Celta Vigo next Thursday, which means Wayne Rooney could play in midfield against Swansea.

“Yes, he’s an option,” Mourinho told a news conference on Friday.

“We don’t have [any other players there]. We have [Ander] Herrera and [Michael] Carrick and nothing else. And Tim Fosu-Mensah — an emergency to help the team, strong legs, energy — he’s another one that we will miss so we are in trouble but we will fight, that’s for sure.

“In this moment Eric Bailly is the only option we have [at centre-back]. It’s Axel [Tuanzebe], Eric and Daley [Blind]. I think Eric and Daley, they played again absolutely amazingly [against City].

“I have to speak with them and see how they are, see how they feel. I’m also training hard in the gym so I can also be an option — Mourinho and Tuanzebe against Swansea!”

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