Get team news, match facts, quotes, odds and more ahead of Manchester United's trip to Celta Vigo in the Europa League semi-final first leg.
Manchester United were given a much-needed boost in defence ahead of their Europa League semi-final first leg at Celta Vigo as coach Jose Mourinho said on Wednesday that Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly had all been passed fit.
Centre backs Smalling and Jones have not played for six weeks since getting injured on England duty while Bailly has recovered after being forced off during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Swansea City.
Bailly's injury temporarily left United with no natural centre-backs following Marcos Rojo's serious knee injury.
While Mourinho has previously criticised Jones and Smalling for being too "cautious" with their injuries, he praised the Ivory Coast international Bailly for returning so quickly.
"Bailly is ready to play, he is this kind of personality that fights against every problem unless it is impossible," Mourinho told a news conference ahead of Thursday's game.
TEAM NEWS
Mourinho also said world-record signing Paul Pogba is ready to return against Celta after missing the last two games with muscle fatigue. Juan Mata, who has been absent for the last six weeks with a groin problem, is also fit although Mourinho said the Spaniard was not ready to play 90 minutes. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Luke Shaw will miss the rest of the season.
Celta Vigo are without former United striker Giuseppe Rossi due to a knee injury while defender Carles Planas also misses out.
MANAGER QUOTES
Jose Mourinho: "In relation to the Premier League, I think it’s too late because in the past month of April we played nine matches, seven of them in the Premier and we had too many problems, too many players absent,’ he said. ‘Because of that we had players having to play 750-800 minutes of football and we paid the price. We played against fresh teams and we were in accumulation. In this moment the perspective is different because the Europa League becomes even more important for us. ‘Of course, it depends on the result and the way we analyse the situation tomorrow after the match, but if we have to rest players next weekend we are going to do that."
Eduardo Berizzo: We all have to pull together and believe we can get the result we've dreamt of. To make that dream a reality we have to keep everyone motivated and try to overcome what is a great side by making a huge effort. I hope we experience a special night.
WHEN IS THE MATCH?
Kick-off is at 20.05 on Thursday May 4.
Behind the scenes at Balaidos...pic.twitter.com/UOl2F7UVwe
WHERE IS IT BEING PLAYED?
The match will be played at Celta's Balaídos stadium. Here's more info on the ground.
WHY SHOULD I CARE?
The only trophy to evade Manchester United so far in their illustrious history. And for good reason, given that they're more often than not competing in the Champions League. But with Europe's secondary tournament offering a route into the first, United have a great chance to return to the big time - regardless of where they finish up in the Premier League. Time will only tell whether Mourinho's men can live up to the tag of Europa League favourites.
CAN I WATCH IT ON TV?
Yes - the match will be televised on BT Sport in the UK. Here's the schedule.
MATCH BUZZ
Ready to go!
MATCH FACTS
o These two sides are set to meet for the first ever time in European competition.
o Manchester United have never reached the semi-final stage of a UEFA Cup/Europa League campaign before; it’s the only major trophy they have never won.
o Celta Vigo are also set for their maiden UEFA Cup/Europa League semi-final, they had been eliminated at the quarter-final stage three times previously.
o The Spanish club are unbeaten in five matches ahead of this contest (W4 D1) whilst United come into this game on an eight-match unbeaten streak (W6 D2).
o The Red Devils have failed to win any of the last six times they’ve faced Spanish opposition beyond the group stages in European competition (D1 L5).
o Celta Vigo have lost their last three European matches against English sides, their last such victory coming against Aston Villa in 2000.
o Celta Vigo have recorded eight goals from outside the penalty area this season; two more than any other side, this is 42% of their total goals, the highest ratio of any side to score 10+ goals.
o Iago Aspas has been directly involved in three goals across his last four home Europa League appearances for Celta Vigo (2 goals, 1 assist).
o Henrikh Mkhitaryan has scored in five of his last six Europa League games for Manchester United.
o Sergio Romero (Manchester United) has the best save percentage in the competition this season; stopping 88% of the shots he’s faced (10+ saves).
BOOKIES' ODDS
Celta Vigo 2/1
Draw 11.5
Man Utd 13/8
To qualify: Man Utd 2/5, Celta Vigo 5/2
With additional reporting by Reuters.
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