Early team news for FA Cup semi-final

Jose Mourinho has suggested that he will make changes to his Manchester United team from the midweek win at Bournemouth for Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham.

The boss made seven alterations for the 2-0 victory over the Cherries on Wednesday night from the side beaten 1-0 at home to West Bromwich Albion last Sunday, presumably with this weekend’s crucial cup clash at Wembley in mind.

A much-changed United ran out comfortable winners at the Vitality Stadium, thanks to goals from Chris Smalling and substitute Romelu Lukaku in each half.

After the game, Mourinho was asked by reporters if any players had put themselves in contention to start against Spurs with their performance against Bournemouth.

“I would say that every player on the pitch was positive and made themselves available for [the FA Cup semi-final on] Saturday,” he said.

“I wouldn’t say phenomenal. I think all of them played well and they told me they want to play [against Tottenham]. Obviously I am going to change the team, I am not going to repeat this team.

“I gave a rest to [Nemanja] Matic, I gave a rest to Antonio Valencia, with the objective of at least having a couple of players fresh. But all of the players told me they are here and they want [to play].”

Antonio Valencia was rested completely against Bournemouth, while Matic and Lukaku featured as second-half substitutes. As a result, the trio are expected to return to the starting line-up on Saturday.

Daley Blind made a brief cameo against the Cherries on his comeback from injury, with his first appearance since the FA Cup third-round win over Derby County on 5 January, and could be involved in the squad again.

Fellow defender Phil Jones also returned to action in midweek from the start after just over two months out through injury.

It means Sergio Romero – who has played in every round of the FA Cup so far – is the only expected absentee, with no.1 David De Gea likely to play in goal again.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are set to be without right-back Kyle Walker-Peters (hamstring), left-back Danny Rose (calf strain) and midfielder Harry Winks (ankle).

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino made six changes for his side’s 1-1 draw at Brighton on Tuesday night, with Dele Alli and Davinson Sanchez among those rested, but is likely to revert to a strong line-up against the Reds.

Second-choice stopper Michel Vorm has played in goal throughout their cup run, as he did last season, but no.1 Hugo Lloris was brought back for their semi-final defeat to Chelsea a year ago and Pochettino may opt to do the same this weekend.