KEY ISSUES FOR REDS

SAME XI AS AGAINST CITY?

JUDGING by the four players rested on Wednesday, the trio who were substituted, as well as Sergio Romero’s injury, it is safe to assume eight United places are confirmed against Tottenham. Anthony Martial nor Marcus Rashford performed at a level which suggested they are certainties at Wembley and it would be an exaggeration to say Eric Bailly was rested when he has only started one of the last four.

Still, Bailly is fit and United are usually more secure with him in defence and Chris Smalling has avoided being dropped since he regained his place on September 30. Alexis Sanchez may also earn a reprieve, which would leave Mourinho with the same side that beat City

earlier this month.

WILL MOURINHO LEARN FROM JANUARY?

TOTTENHAM should have dismissed United by a much greater margin in their league meeting in January, where Mourinho fielded an attackminded 4-2-3-1 side to widespread approval from fans. Only Nemanja Matic was carrying an injury and Paul Pogba is a liability in a midfield axis against top six opponents, so Mousa Dembele had a free run at effectively half a midfielder.

Remarkably, Mourinho only brought Ander Herrera on when fellow substitute Marouane Fellaini - on for Pogba - succumbed to injury. Having gone with three midfielders against Chelsea and City in recent months, Mourinho has to do so again tonight.

CAN UNITED SUPPORTERS HAVE AN IMPACT?

WEMBLEY is an inappropriate host for semi-finals but two years ago United supporters generated an atmosphere worthy of their famous days at Villa Park. Fans have organised for the vocal contingent to be grouped together after Crystal Palace did similarly for the 2016 final and Mourinho must appreciate the choreography.