#4 Manchester United grinding out results in times of jeopardy
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A lengthy injury list – especially in central defence – meant that Mourinho had to take the risk of naming a handful of players in the starting line-up who had just recovered from various injuries. Eric Bailly – who was forced to limp off in the 1-1 draw against Swansea on Sunday – was suspect in the initial stages, but appeared to shrug off any signs of fatigue or discomfort on his hamstring with a solid second-half performance.
Paul Pogba starred in midfield, while Chris Smalling – who hadn’t appeared for United since 19 March – came on in the dying moments to see the game out.
Also Read: Man Utd should be through already, says frustrated Mourinho
However, United’s ability to grind out important results despite the absence of multiple first-team players showed the character and desire of the players to win this competition and secure a path to next season’s Champions League. Apart from a couple of nervy moments, the defence was generally stable, the midfield was dominant and they created a handful of opportunities to score, either through the middle or in the form of crosses from the full-backs.
Mourinho’s side may well feel that they should have secured a bigger margin of victory had they converted a few more chances – especially Jesse Lingard’s volley which was blasted wide with no Celta defender in between him and goal. However, the positive intent shown by the players will definitely please Mourinho and his coaching staff.
