Mourinho calls up the kids

JOSE Mourinho will include up to 10 teenagers in his squad to face Crystal Palace at Old Trafford today despite admitting they are not ready to be thrown into action together.

The Manchester United manager is keeping his stars fresh for the Europa League final against Ajax three days later and will only use “three or four” first-teamers when he would prefer more on duty to help the youngsters settle in.

Of the 10, seven are in line for their league debuts. Teenagers Timothy Fosu-mensah and Axel Tuanzebe have only made five league starts between them, and Scott Mctominay played six minutes at Arsenal two weeks ago.

“We will have two goalkeepers – Joel Pereira and Kieran O’hara,” said Mourinho. “We will have Demetri Mitchell, Mctominay, Josh Harrop, Matthew Willock, Angel Gomes and Zachary Dearnley. I think that’s it.”

Asked if his academy players are ready, Mourinho replied: “All together? No. One in the middle of a good structure, an experienced structure, I think yes.

“There is a big difference of quality, strength and experience between them and good, experienced players. Supporters will understand the difficult job they have because it will not be easy for them.”

Clubs are in danger of breaching rules if they select players from outside their 25-man Premier League squads. However, with United certain to finish sixth in the table and Palace safe, they are unlikely to face action.

Paul Pogba is one of the senior players who will be given game time after missing the last two matches following the death of his father. “Paul is fine,” said Mourinho.

“He’s learning how to live after his father passed away but he’s strong and he knows he needs to play.”

However, Wayne Rooney is not guaranteed to feature in what would almost certainly be his United farewell after 13 years at the club. – Daily Mail