Jose Mourinho explains decision to bench David De Gea

Jose Mourinho says that Sergio Romero deserves the continuity of playing in the Europa League ahead of David De Gea.

The Manchester United manager picked the Argentina international for the quarter-final first leg with Anderlecht.

It sees the reserve goalkeeper continue in goal for the second game in a row having played against Sunderland at the weekend.

‘Sergio is playing virtually every match in the Europa League and he deserves this continuity. The fact he played against Sunderland is good for him,’ Mourinho said ahead of the tie in Belgium.

‘We have two very good goalkeepers and we have two young keepers behind them both so we are fine.’

Mourinho’s comments come amid reports of a bust up between himself and De Gea.

The official reason for De Gea missing the Sunderland match was a hip problem however it’s been claimed that the Spain international took exception to recent criticism from Mourinho. In response the Manchester United manager dropped him for the 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light.

Turning his focus to the Europa League, Mourinho said he’s been trying to transfer his positivity about the competition to his players.

‘That special feeling [about the Europa League] is because it’s the only competition we can win.

‘No chance to win Premier League. This competition is where we show our motivations and ambitions with seven other teams. To win it we need to beat three teams and Anderlecht is the first battle.