Mourinho Explains De Gea Omission

Jose Mourinho confirmed to MUTV that David De Gea had a “small problem” that ruled him out of contention for Manchester United’s Premier League match at Sunderland.

The goalkeeper had previously started 63 top-flight matches in succession but his impressive display of consistency has now unfortunately come to an end, after Sergio Romero took his place for Sunday's 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light. Joel Pereira acted as back-up on the substitutes' bench.

De Gea’s problem is not thought to be serious but it is unlikely that he will feature in Thursday night’s Europa League quarter-final first leg tie away to Anderlecht, partly because Romero has started seven of 10 games in the European competition this season.

Speaking to BBC Sport after Sunday's 3-0 win at Sunderland, Mourinho gave a further update on De Gea: "He has a problem with his hip. When he dives he feels it a little bit. It's good for him to have a rest. It's good for Sergio Romero to play before Brussels. De Gea will probably be fit for Chelsea - yes, if he's in good condition."