Manchester United will field a strong squad for Sunday’s Premier League match against leaders Chelsea despite the game taking place between the two-legged Europa League quarter-final against Anderlecht, manager Jose Mourinho has said.
United are fifth in the league, four points behind fourth-placed Manchester City albeit with a game in hand and need to finish the season in the top four or win the Europa League to qualify for next season’s Uefa Champions League.
They face Anderlecht in Belgium on Thursday before a home game against Chelsea followed by the second leg of the quarter-final at Old Trafford next week.
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“When it is still mathematically possible to finish in the top four I think if we play against Chelsea with our second team you would kill me. The football country would kill me,” Mourinho said.
“There is no reason not to try while mathematically possible. If on a certain moment of the season we have no chances to get top four and we are still in the Europa League then nobody can criticise.”
Mourinho is hoping that key players do not join United’s injury list as they try to win the Europa League and break into the top four simultaneously.
“Hope no more injuries, no more suspensions and hoping the players keep showing amazing character to keep going and going. Until not possible we are going to fight for the top four,” he said.
United will be without captain Wayne Rooney against Anderlecht while goalkeeper David De Gea faces a late fitness test.
‘We have to stay calm’
Meanwhile, Antonio Conte will ensure Chelsea stay focused on maintaining their comfortable lead at the top of the Premier League to keep distance on the chasing pack, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has said.
Chelsea beat Bournemouth last weekend to stay seven points clear of second-placed Tottenham Hotspur and if they win five of their remaining seven fixtures it will guarantee them a second title in three years.
“A lot of players have the will to win, but sometimes if winning becomes a habit, the hunger might drop and you will lose some games,” Courtois said.
“But it’s always nice to have a manager who keeps the players at the level they need to have, who keeps our focus and doesn’t allow us to drop our guard.”
Courtois also urged his side not become apprehensive as they edge ever closer to the finish line.
“To win the title, we just have to do the same as we have done over the last few months. We have to stay calm, whatever happens,” the Belgium international added. “We just have to keep our winning mentality and fight until the end.”
* Reuters
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