José Mourinho coy on team news ahead of Arsenal clash

Arsenal head to Old Trafford on Wednesday, with Unai Emery’s side buoyed by their recent 4-2 win in the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. The Gunners have scored more goals this season than anyone bar table-toppers Manchester City, and haven’t lost in the league since the long summer days of August.

In his pre-match press conference, Manchester United boss José Mourinho was coy with regard to team news, noting only that “we are going to be in difficulties again to build the team.” When asked for a more specific update, Mourinho refused, stating: “No. I don’t want to update you, Arsenal TV to make the same questions but they don’t they hide everything from the inside, so why should I answer to you so why should I give anything to you.”

Fair enough.

In this case, the old adage that no news is good news doesn’t seem to hold. The official United website confirms that Ashley Young is suspended; Victor Lindelöf, Eric Bailly and Alexi Sánchez are out injured; and Luke Shaw, Chris Smalling, Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku are all in doubt. We don’t expect Marcos Rojo will be back from his long-term layoff in time to feature — at least not from the start. It’s really anyone’s guess who’ll be in defence tomorrow. Answers on a postcard please ...