Pogba to return for Manchester United on Sunday

Play was now slow and stretched at Old Trafford, which witnessed history in the 88th minute as Rooney was withdrawn and replaced by debutant Gomes. Man United, under the guidance of Louis van Gaal, won 2-1 thanks to Jesse Lingard’s stunning extra-time volley.

One doesn’t expect such a meek reaction from Mourinho.

And United impressed in a first-half performance that proved enough to secure a comfortable victory prior to their season-defining trip to Stockholm.

Manager Jose Mourinho told reporters in Manchester on Friday that he rated Ajax highly but he disagreed with them even being able to take part in the Europa League, let alone reach the final. Ibrahimovic ruptured ligament in his knee after landing awkwardly in the Europa League quarter-final against Anderlecht.

He added: “And on top of that, the accumulation of big injuries – not small, not the injuries that you say “OK, hamstring, two weeks” – no, it’s surgery, boom, boom”. But some lie. Since January we have played 37 matches. We did things in this club that nobody did in the first season.

Gomes was also the first Premier League player to have been born in the 21st century.

How does United’s schedule compare to Liverpool’s of last season?

Rooney had already threatened before the goal flurry and, with United having failed to score more than two goals in a home league game since Boxing Day’s win against Sunderland, United supporters clearly felt that run was about to end.

“They’re a Champions League team, they come from the Champions League”.

James Milner has scored seven Premier League goals this season.

Mourinho also revealed the strategy for the upcoming home game. While Ferguson has often defended the indefensible from his players including Roy Keane’s public outbursts or Eric Cantona’s kung-fu kick on an unruly spectator, Mourinho hung his players out to dry in front of a venomous media.

Asked about all the kids who could play in this contest, he listed off nine youngsters who could see action.

“Ajax has a very good scouting and education system”.

“The chairman (Steve Parish) has pointed that out to me like every chairman I’ve worked for, which is always an important part of each year’s growth”.

“They really need my support, Nicky Butt’s support, because it will not be an easy one for them”.

Now in charge at Premier League Crystal Palace, Allardyce lasted just 67 days and one match as England boss.

“So after Zlatan’s career, we will go back and open him up again to do research on his ligaments”.