José Mourinho names strange lineup for Rostov clash

José Mourinho has sprung a surprise with his starting lineup for Manchester United’s Europa League clash away at Rostov. He’s selected three centre-backs and no nominal wingers, in a move that appears to signal the return of a back three for the first time since Louis van Gaal’s departure.

Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and one of Daley Blind or Marcos Rojo will presumably form United’s defensive trio, with the other expected to shuttle along the left flank. Ashley Young is given the job of providing the width on the right. Paul Pogba, Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera are playing in central midfield, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan playing in support of striker Zlatan Ibrahimović. It’s certainly an interesting move.

Ideally we’d have a few insightful and witty lines on the Rostov starting lineup here, but we don’t have a clue who any of these people are. Except Noboa. We think we’ve seen him at a World Cup.