Mourinho packs his defence with kids
JOSE MOURINHO could field one of the youngest back-fives in Premier League history today as he protects his key men for Wednesday’s Europa League final against Ajax.
Goalkeeper Joel Pereira and left-back Demetri Mitchell, both 20, are in line for their Premier League debuts against Crystal Palace today, alongside a pair of 19-year-olds Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Axel Tuanzebe. Eric Bailly, 23, who is suspended for United’s season-defining match in Stockholm, will also start at Old Trafford.
Their average age is only marginally older than Steve McClaren’s Middlesbrough line-up against Fulham in 2006, which featured three 19-year-olds and two players aged 21.
Due to the youthful nature of his squad and the potential for prematch nerves, Mourinho has altered United’s normal routine. Instead of staying at the Lowry Hotel, as they usually do for the night before home games, players have been encouraged to stay with their families.
Midfielder Scott McTominay, 20, has a chance of his first United start while 21-year-old