Why Jose Mourinho must play Michael Carrick against Arsenal

Jose Mourinho has confirmed Wayne Rooney is available for Manchester United’s game against Arsenal, with the manager stating “we know what didn’t go well” regarding his captain after the striker apologised for being photographed out late when on England duty.

Their rivalry has occasionally bubbled over with the pair becoming involved in a pushing match on the touchline at Stamford Bridge two years ago.

A Marcus Rashford-inspired Manchester United beat Arsenal 3-2 in the corresponding fixture a year ago during a damaging run of results which all-but put paid to Wenger’s ambitions of a first title since 2004. “You have your sources, you believe your sources, you respect your sources and we have had that for 15 days, so I am not going to speak about Smalling”.

“It is a big game for both teams and they will try to give themselves a chance, and we have to be ready to adapt to their way of playing”.

“Sir Alex Ferguson is not here anymore and tomorrow between the two managers we are speaking about I think six or seven Premier League titles, I’m not sure”.

Wenger will make a late call on the fitness of Alexis Sanchez, who did not report back from global duty with Chile until Friday.

The 31-year-old’s hard start to the season continued on England duty, with his starting role in last Friday’s World Cup qualifying win against Scotland followed by injury and controversy.

Arsenal will be without flying right-back Hector Bellerin (ankle) and his Spanish compatriot Santi Cazorla (Achilles).

The talk about United’s players has somewhat overshadowed what is always a fascinating clash between Mourinho and Arsene Wenger.

Antonio Valencia, Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling are all out of contention, which could force Mourinho to start Phil Jones in a second straight game. The fact that Arsene Wenger has never beaten Jose Mourinho in the league either adds to that. You’ll recall a couple weeks ago, right when United were set to go on global break, Defenders Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw were thrown under the bus by their very own Manager.

Mourinho has won three Premier League titles with Chelsea during two spells, and has won the Champions League twice.

Rooney played in England’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Scotland last week, but was withdrawn from the squad due to a knee injury and missed Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Spain.

But Klopp is hopeful Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino will both be able to feature after jetting back from worldwide duty with Brazil. The next day Bild said “That is how Klopp celebrates 18th!” It’s not because of this that I do or don’t sleep well at night.

But with Arsenal six points above United in fourth place, it is Wenger who now enjoys the upper hand and he dismissed suggestions Mourinho has some kind of hold over him.

Rashford has netted four times in 17 appearances for club and country this season, but his last effort came back on September 24 against Leicester. “If you look back to the way we played, it was incredible”, the France worldwide told the City website. We had a little hiccup against Tottenham and we want to restart to win our games again. I want to win here.

“Once when Borussia Dortmund had 11 points and were last in the table, I had a party with some friends in the city”.