Man Utd Manager Jose Mourinho Explains Defender’s Absence For CSKA UCL Clash

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has this evening revealed why defender Marcos Rojo was omitted from his squad for this evening’s clash with CSKA Moscow.

The Red Devils welcomed their Russian opponents to Old Trafford this evening, knowing that a point would guarantee them of top spot in the Group A table.

CSKA, meanwhile, came into proceedings locked in 2nd spot in thegroup, alongside Swiss outfit Basel.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference yesterday, Mourinho confirmed that both Nemanja Matic and Phil Jones were set to miss out, the former with a fresh injury while the latter has not yet fully recovered from a thigh problem.

Paul Pogba, though, has been included in United’s starting XI, with the French midfielder having picked up a 3-match domestic ban for the red card he picked up versus Arsenal at the weekend.

Ander Herrera and forgotten man Luke Shaw were both also given the nod from the start, with United’s starting lineup below:

Tonight’s#MUFCteam to face CSKA Moscow…
pic.twitter.com/7o29qkl4Cp

— Manchester United (@ManUtd)
December 5, 2017

One notable absence from United’s matchday squad altogether, though, was defender Marcos Rojo.

Portuguese stopper Rojo only returned to action last month following a lengthy spell on the sidelines after rupturing his cruciate ligament.

However, he has lined out in 3 of United’s last 4 fixtures, and, with the Red Devils set to take on Manchester City in a crucial top-of-the-table derby Clash this weekend, Jose Mourinho has this evening confirmed that Rojo has simply been rested:

The boss on Marcos Rojo’s absence: “He is really tired. So, by the muscular point of view, he really needs the rest. It’s a decision to protect him.”
#MUFC

pic.twitter.com/e40cTRENVt