Jose Mourinho rules Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Phil Jones out of Man United's clash with St Etienne
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Jose Mourinho has ruled Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Phil Jones out of Manchester United's Europa League clash with St Etienne.
The trio missed training on Wednesday and are not fit for the first leg of the Red Devils' last 32 tie with the Ligue 1 outfit at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Jones, who last played in United's 0-0 draw with Hull City two weeks ago, has been injured since his side's FA Cup win over Wigan, according to Mourinho.
Rooney - who hasn't started a game for United since January 10 - and Carrick are suffering muscular problems, and are being protected by the Portuguese, while Marcos Rojo is available.
(Photo: PA)
(Photo: John Peters)
(Photo: Getty)
"Wayne and Michael are - I don't want to say injures, because I don't think we are talking about injuries," said Mourinho.
"We are speaking about little muscular problem and protection of these problems.
"So all three are out tomorrow and, apart from that, everything is alright."
Mourinho also ruled out a possible return to action for left-back Luke Shaw, who has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford.
(Photo: PA)
(Photo: REUTERS)
(Photo: REUTERS)
"My team is playing well, I'm happy with my back four," said Mourinho. "[Antonio] Valencia, [Eric Bailly, [Chris] Smalling and Daley Blind."
Man United are enjoying a brilliant run of form and are unbeaten in their last 16 fixtures in the Premier League.
Their win over Watford last time out saw them become the first side to hit 2,000 points in the division, and they will be hoping to carry this form into the Europa League.