Walking wounded
United could be without seven first-team players for WBA visit
LONDON: Jose Mourinho is facing a major selection headache as seven of his first-teamers could be missing for the home clash against West Bromwich Albion.
Manchester United are desperately chasing a top-four finish, and three points at Old Trafford against Tony Pulis’ Baggies will be expected.
Ander Herrera is currently suspended for the red card he received against Chelsea in the FA Cup.
And top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic will miss the game as part of his retrospective ban for violent conduct for elbowing Bournemouth’s Tyrone Mings.
Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba are all expected to be out nursing injuries.
And despite Wayne Rooney claiming he is fit and ready to play, there are still some concerns following a knee injury that has kept him out for the last three weeks.
Meanwhile it was revealed yesterday how the club’s strong interest in Neymar has set “alarm bells ringing” at Barcelona, according to reports in Catalonia.
Jose Mourinho wants to bring in a huge name in the summer as he tries to bring the Red Devils back among the elite of world football.
And Sport claims United have met with Neymar’s representatives and are ready to offer the Brazilian a staggering £416,000-a-week (RM2.3mil) after tax.
The 20-time English champions would offer him a better “financial and football opportunity” than is available to him at Barcelona – and meet the £173mil (RM961mil) buyout clause.
At 25, Neymar is considered the next major superstar in the game, but knows he will always be in Lionel Messi’s shadow at the Nou Camp.
While playing alongside the Argentine in La Liga, he is unlikely to ever win the Ballon d’Or.
And, given Messi’s amazing scoring exploits this season, he isn’t going anywhere soon.
However, at Old Trafford, he would become the club’s No.1 superstar and flagbearer – and could be the man to lead them back to greatness.
Neymar is happy at the Nou Camp, but knows he could get even more recognition for his performances by moving to Manchester.
But, the Brazil international would not consider a move to United if the club are not in the Champions League.
Mourinho’s men face a difficult task of making the top four in the English Premier League – but could earn participation in the continent’s premier club competition next season by triumphing in the Europa League.