The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Bournemouth, United Kingdom | AFP | Jose Mourinho admitted Manchester United had given him an FA Cup semi-final selection dilemma after their 2-0 win at Bournemouth on Wednesday.
Goals from Chris Smalling and Romelu Lukaku sealed the points at Dean Court after Mourinho made seven changes in the aftermath of United’s shock defeat to struggling West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.
That limp surrender had gifted the Premier League title to Manchester City, prompting Mourinho to accuse his players of complacency.
FT: Bournemouth 0 #MUFC 2.
Job done for United thanks to goals from @ChrisSmalling and @RomeluLukaku9! #BOUMUN pic.twitter.com/srqOCk55hT
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 18, 2018
In a bid to shake up his under-performing stars and rest key players, the United manager rang the changes against Bournemouth, with Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez and Juan Mata among the big names left out of the starting line-up ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham.
Paul Pogba kept his place despite mounting speculation Mourinho is ready to sell the out-of-form France midfielder in the close-season.
Mourinho’s hardline stance appeared to sting his players into action as Smalling opened the scoring in the first half.
Lukaku came off the bench to seal the points in the closing stages as United consolidated second place in the Premier League.
Mourinho was impressed with the work done by his new-look side and claimed he would have to think hard before deciding his Cup line-up.
“Everything was good, I am happy. Every player on the pitch was positive and put himself available for Saturday,” Mourinho said.
Three points, a clean sheet and confidence ahead of the FA Cup semi-final…
Match report ?
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 18, 2018
“The players were in the right positions and not trying one more flick, one more trick.
“I will not play this 11 at Wembley but all of them told me (with their performances) that they want to play and they are ready.
“Obviously I will bring back Lukaku, Antonio Valencia, Nemanja Matic.”
Pogba was widely criticised for his lacklustre display against Albion — the latest in a long line of disappointing efforts from the former Juventus star since his move to United two seasons ago.
That sparked talk that Mourinho has told United to put Pogba up for sale, just days after Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he had been offered the chance to sign the midfielder by his agent in January.
