Mourinho wants FA Cup response from stuttering Man Utd

Image
AFP \R Manchester
Last Updated : Feb 16 2018 | 10:45 AM IST
Manchester United will be desperate to bounce back in the FA Cup fifth round against Huddersfield today, their first match featuring opinion dividing video assistant referee (VAR) technology.
Defeat at the hands of Newcastle at the weekend left Jose Mourinhos men second in the Premier League but just four points clear of Tottenham in fifth as the race for the top four heats up.
Now they travel to Huddersfield -- where they lost in the league earlier this season -- ahead of a testing run of fixtures that could define their season, with major questions over how best to deploy club record signing Paul Pogba and new boy Alexis Sanchez.
"Its very difficult to put me in a position where I have to criticise my players," said Mourinho when quizzed on Pogbas lack of form, which saw the 89 million ($125 million) midfielder dropped by his Portuguese manager when United last faced Huddersfield a fortnight ago.
There have been mixed reactions to the VAR system, which has been used in a handful of League Cup and FA Cup ties.
The recent fourth-round FA Cup tie between Liverpool and West Brom proved particularly contentious as the extra official awarded Jurgen Klopps side a penalty, ruled out a goal for his opponents then confirmed another would stand.
Mourinho backs VAR -
======================
"When people ask us if we like it, if we dont like it, if we agree with it or dont agree with it, I think honestly its a question for the referees," said Mourinho, who said he backed the system but that it needed adjustments to preserve the flow of the game.
"They want to perform the best they can, they dont like to make mistakes. And sometimes they make mistakes because its a human mistake and you cannot go over it unless you have some technological support.
"So if the referees are happy with that technological support, then yes, lets go for the VAR. I think, from my perspective, I like the feeling."
Mourinho is likely to name a strong line-up as he has done in previous rounds against lower-league opponents Derby and Yeovil, with the FA Cup Uniteds best chance of silverware this year.
Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera missed last weekends costly defeat but could be back in contention.
Eric Bailly is expected back in full training this weekend but will not be rushed into action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury.
However, Mourinho also has to balance of the demands his Cup ambitions with a tough Champions League trip to in Sevilla in midweek, as well as upcoming Premier League clashes against Chelsea and Liverpool.
Opposite number David Wagner is more likely to rest key players with his team in the thick of a relegation fight despite an impressive 4-1 win over Bournemouth.
Key playmaker Aaron Mooy suffered a gashed knee in that game and could well be rested as could defenders Christopher Schindler and Mathias Jorgensen.
January signing Alex Pritchard is cup-tied and striker Laurent Depoitre, who scored against United in Huddersfields victory in October, may be recalled to enable Steve Mounie to rest.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Feb 16 2018 | 10:45 AM IST

Next Story