Romero gets the nod to start Europa League final

Sergio Romero will start the Europa League final instead of David de Gea barring injury, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed.

The Red Devils head to Sweden for a mouth-watering match against Ajax on May 24 after completing their final three Premier League fixtures.

They secured their place in the Stockholm finale by edging past Celta Vigo, with Romero performing impressively in last week’s 1-0 win in Spain and the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Thursday.

The Argentina goalkeeper has played 11 of the 14 Europa League matches this season but remains back-up to the outstanding De Gea, naturally leading to questions as to whether Mourinho will switch to the coveted Spaniard for the final.

However, the United boss has moved to end the debate before it has begun by throwing his support behind Romero. “No dilemma, no dilemma,” he said. “They are two fantastic goalkeepers. “I never saw in all my career two goalkeepers to be so friendly, because it is a position where you always have a little bit of rivalry, especially if you are both the same kind of level.

“We are speaking about the Argentina national goalkeeper and the Spain national goalkeeper,” he said.

“I think it is fair that Sergio is going to play the final and David accepts.”

United will be without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marcos Rojo, Ashley Young, Luke Shaw and Tim FosuMensah for the final through injury, while Eric Bailly is suspended following his moment of madness on Thursday.

So impressive since arriving from Villarreal last summer, the 23-year-old was shown a straight red card for pushing John Guidetti in the face.

Celta’s Facundo Roncaglia followed him down the tunnel after raising his hand to the Ivorian in retaliation.

“I don’t know the incident, I didn’t see,” Mourinho said.

“But even if it was unfair, I don’t know, but even if it was unfair I don’t think Uefa rules will allow any chance of an appeal, so I don’t think he plays the final.

“So if he doesn’t play the final, he has to play the remaining matches in the Premier League and give rest to some of the others.”

Bailly could have his ban extended when both players have their cases heard by the Uefa Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body on July 20.

Manchester United fans will receive just under 10,000 tickets for the Europa League final, little over a fifth of the capacity of the Friends Arena in Stockholm.

Many of the 17,000 general sale tickets are believed to have been bought by United fans anticipating their side would make the final.

Ajax will also have around 10,000 tickets