Mourinho chasing a victory

Last PL match in this round!

99% favorite in this match is United, if they win they would be little closer to City and Guardiola...

Manchester United vs Stoke City 

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed Antonio Valencia is fit to return from injury in Monday night’s Premier League match against Stoke City at Old Trafford.

The Ecuador international has not featured since suffering a hamstring injury during the 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns on 17 December.

The stand-in captain trained all week during the warm-weather camp in Dubai and the manager revealed during his pre-match press conference that he is now “ready to play” against Stoke. 

Jose also stated Anthony Martial is a doubt when asked if everyone is fit for the game.

“Martial is not ready, but I hope he can play. Plus, the other ones that are unavailable.”

Earlier in the press conference, Mourinho admitted Henrikh Mkhitaryan is set to play against Stoke when asked about the Armenian’s future and reports that he may move away from Old Trafford.

“My approach to players is that every player has a price,” the boss said. “It doesn't matter who he is, it doesn't matter the level, the prestige, the status. I think every player has a price. I'm not the kind of blind manager. Blind in the sense of this player is untouchable, that this player we can never sell.

“I think every player has a price. So when the transfer window is open, it's also open for any club that is interested in our players, then it is up to us to make a decision: yes or no. It's up to us to decide what we think is the right price.

“But Mkhitaryan, he played the last match in the cup and probably will play the next one. So it's a little bit the same in relation to other players who are involved in this gossip of the transfer window. He is our player. He's a very good player. Saturday he is training, Sunday selected and Monday play.”

Stoke are without a manager. Were you surprised to see Mark Hughes sacked?

'They have a manager (Eddie  Niedzwiecki). I think he is a guy with great qualities to do the job. He was always a loyal member of Mark Hughes’s staff, like Mark Bowen. 

'They were always a strong group so Ed is just continuity. I don’t think for the players it’s a different situation.'

Stoke City assistant manager Kevin Russell:

Have the players questioned themselves after Mark Hughes’s sacking?

'When a manager goes, everyone has got to look at themselves. Not only the players, but staff from the bottom to the top. Could we have done more? Could we have done better? 

'So I’m sure the players are in that frame of mind and think they’ve got a point to prove.'

Will the club stay up?

'One hundred per cent, in my opinion. There is a lot of talent here and if they are playing to their full potential they are a tough team to beat.'

What kind of situation will a new manager inherit?

'The infrastructure is of a Premier League club and we are bearing the fruits of the academy. It’s in a good place and the new manager is going to inherit a well-run club.'

Paul Lambert

Meanwhile, the Potters have confirmed Paul Lambert as their new manager but Eddie Niedzwiecki will be in temporary charge this evening.