Monthly Archives: September 2016

Showing 8PM, Thursday 29th September: Manchester United V Zorya Luhansk

Facing Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Europa League on Thursday will be “frightening”, says Zorya Luhansk manager Yuriy Vernydub.

The side finished fourth in the Ukrainian league last season and are making their debut in the group stages.

“There’s no need to be evasive. We understand that Manchester United are a world class brand,” said Vernydub.

United captain Wayne Rooney was set to return to the starting XI but has suffered a back problem.

The 30-year-old was dropped to the bench for last weekend’s Premier League victory over Leicester City.

Manager Jose Mourinho said: “I was completely convinced to play with him from the beginning [on Thursday] but with his situation in the last couple of days I am not sure.

“With the situation you [the media] create for him, he really can’t afford to have a performance that is not really good. I am here to protect him and not put him in difficult situations.”

Mourinho confirmed striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will start, but the Red Devils will be without midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan, while Luke Shaw is doubtful after being sent home from training on Wednesday because of illness.

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