United Team News vs West Ham (League Cup)
Manchester United are gearing up to face Slaven Bilic’s West Ham United side for the second time in four days.
Sunday’s Premier League encounter ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic equalising after an early goal from Diafra Sakho put the Hammers in front.
With such a sharp turnaround from their league fixture to the cup tie on Wednesday night, team news is little changed from the weekend.
Centre-back Chris Smalling, who was so impressive last season, is yet to return to first-team training after breaking his toe. He has missed the side’s last seven games.
With that in mind, it is likely that Phil Jones will start at centre-back and be partnered by either Marcos Rojo or Daley Blind.
Eric Bailly has returned to training as he looks to recover from a knee ligament injury before the Africa Cup of Nations in January – but a fast comeback would see him able to play for United again before he jets off for the tournament.
Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini are both suspended for Wednesday’s fixture, having picked up five yellow cards each this season.
This means that Bastian Schweinsteiger is in line for his first appearance of the season. He has come back into the squad and with changes needed in Mourinho’s midfield, it would be no surprise to see the World Cup winner at least come off the bench against the Hammers.
Luke Shaw, Anthony Martial and Michael Carrick are all in line to start under the lights at Old Trafford.