Jose Mourinho’s XI for the Europa League final was easy to call for the most part.
Having already confirmed that Sergio Romero would continue to start between the sticks, Mourinho predictably selected Marcus Rashford to lead the line.
Everybody knew that Antonio Valencia, Daley Blind, Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera would start too but one of the more intriguing selection considerations for the Manchester United boss was in relation to who would partner Blind in the centre of defence.
With Eric Bailly suspended after picking up a red card in the second leg of United’s semi-final against Celta Vigo, it seemed like a toss-up between Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.
Both England internationals had recovered from injury and were available for selection.
When the teamsheets arrived for the final against Ajax, it was revealed that Smalling had been given the vote of confidence.
Mourinho explained his decision prior to kick-off at Stockholm’s Friends Arena.
“Bailly’s suspended,” Mourinho told BT Sport.
It all comes down to this https://t.co/0dXDY4qKLP
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) May 24, 2017
“It was a choice between Smalling and Jones. I think I was pushed to decide Chris because he recovered before Jones from the injury.
“He has one week in advance in relation to Jones’ form.”
Juan Mata also comes into the fold, having sat out the semi-final, and Mourinho also explained the Spaniard’s inclusion.
“Mata is a position where we have different alternatives,” Mourinho said.
“We have Anthony Martial, we have Jesse Lingard. I really think it’s important today to start with a little bit more experience, a bit more of a brain and later to go to a little bit more with speed, with freshness and enthusiasm.”
