Man Utd Boss Confirms Duo Could Return For West Ham But Key Man Ruled Out

Manchester United will be looking to make it six league wins on the bounce when they take on West Ham at the London Stadium on Monday evening.

The game comes just two days after United claimed a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Middlesbrough with Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba scoring late on to secure a 2-1 victory.

Speaking after the game at Old Trafford yesterday, Mourinho gave a mixed team news and injury update to reporters ahead of their trip to West Ham tomorrow evening.

The Portuguese coach confirmed that Michael Carrick could be available again after missing the ‘Boro game due to illness and the experienced midfielders return would be a huge boost for the Red Devils.

Mourinho also revealed that Wayne Rooney could also be in contention to face the Hammers but the skipper’s return is less likely as he continues to recover from a thigh injury that’s kept him out of the last two matches.

We’ll have to wait and see how Carrick and Rooney recover over the next 24 hours but time is running out for them to prove their fitness before the West Ham game.

One player United will definitely be without is Eric Bailly as Mourinho also confirmed that the centre-back has played his last game before heading off to the African Cup of Nations.

Bailly was recalled to the starting eleven to face Middlesbrough and United had asked his country if he could remain with his club in order to play against West Ham.

However, the Ivory Coast knocked back United’s request so Bailly will miss the trip to the capital and will instead fly off to link up with his nation tomorrow ahead of the AFCON.

Here is what Mourinho told reporters:

Jose: "Bailly won't play at West Ham. Ivory Coast say they want him on Jan 2. We ask for Jan 3, they say no."

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) December 31, 2016

Jose also says Rooney has a "small chance " to play on Monday but Carrick "has a bigger chance".

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) December 31, 2016