SWAN ROQUE WILL MAKE A MESA UNITED
ROQUE MESA is the man charged with halting Manchester United’s stunning early-season form.
The £11million summer signing from Las Palmas is set for his competitive Swansea debut when they face Jose Mourinho’s side.
United arrive at the Liberty Stadium for today’s early kick-off fresh from their 4-0 hammering of West Ham last Sunday.
But Swansea boss Paul Clement hopes midfield ace Mesa can be his secret weapon with club captain Leon Britton struggling with a back injury. “I would have no doubts about putting Roque in, it is something I am thinking about,” he said.
“Everyone will see him on the pitch sooner rather than later because he is very technical. He is a typical Swansea player being so confident on the ball.”
Mesa will go head-tohead with United’s midfield superstars Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic in Wales.
And Clement is well aware his team face a tough test, adding: “United will be contenders for the title.
“Their signings of Romelu Lukaku and Matic were powerful and they look so strong, particularly in midfield and up front.
“They are strong on the counter and are disciplined defensively.
“They may not have the flair of some of the other more fluid teams, but they are very functional and it will be a hard game for us.”
Swansea saw their star man Gylfi Sigurdsson finally complete his £45m move to Everton this week.
It robbed Clement of his best player, while striker Fernando Llorente is still on the sidelines as he recovers from a
broken arm. Tammy Abraham and Jordan Ayew are set to continue in attack, but Clement is confident his team can get a positive result this afternoon.
He added: “United have started well and brought in some good players, but we are confident because of what we did last season.
“Our record against them is quite encouraging.
“I think the players feel good at the Liberty at the moment.
“That is the big advantage of being at home, you have the impetus of the crowd behind you.”