Antonio Valencia makes Wembley promise

Manchester United defender Antonio Valencia is raring to go ahead of this weekend's EFL Cup final against Southampton, and says the Reds will do everything possible to bring the trophy back to Old Trafford.

Valencia has been a standout performer for the Reds this term and is expected to start Sunday's match, when he will be targeting a seventh trophy since joining the club from Wigan in 2009.
In an exclusive interview with ManUtd.com, the Ecuadorian says he's already looking forward to walking out onto the pitch and believes the players' attitude will play a big part.
“I'm 100 per cent up for it!" enthused Valencia. "You can never be just at 30 per cent. When you pull on the United shirt you have to be 100 per cent focused and ready. It’s all about being totally concentrated.
"In such an important game as a final, you really need to be mentally strong and fully focused on the game, even more so when it’s at a fantastic stadium like Wembley, with all its history. Let’s hope that’s how it is in this final and we’re all concentrating on our jobs and we can manage to win the cup.
“We have to put all the build-up, photos and interviews completely out of our minds, and focus on the task in hand. We’ve got a trophy up for grabs here and know just how important that is for the supporters. We can’t approach the game in a relaxed mood; we have to go out, put in a shift and fight hard, and hope that throughout the 90 minutes, we're in control of the game and can eventually lift the cup."
It was Valencia who provided the assist for Zlatan Ibrahimovic's winner when United claimed the Community Shield in August, and while the full-back has great memories of the occasion, he's trying not to think about previous trips to Wembley.
“We have to forget about the fact that we might have won there three, four or five times," he added. "We have to put that to one side. This is another final, and a totally different story. We cannot afford to make one single mistake, this is a final and we cannot lose our concentration for even one minute.
“It’s a stadium which really is just made for playing football and enjoying it at the same time. Let’s hope then that we won’t be disappointed, and that we can play with a smile on our faces and with total commitment.
“Winning the cup could give us even more impetus, as we’re already pretty high on confidence. It’s a big thing for us, there are around 15 games left in the Premier League and anything can still happen. While we have a chance mathematically, we’ll carry on battling to try and win the title."

Jose gives insight into selection plans

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has provided some insight into his selection plans for Sunday's EFL Cup final against Southampton.
The boss has stressed fit-again Wayne Rooney is an option to replace Henrikh Mkhitaryan but much could depend on which system he employs against the Saints, who have yet to concede a goal in the competition.

"I have to make a decision," declared Mourinho. "You know that we normally play two different systems, if you want. Sometimes, we play with two midfield players and a no.10, if you want to call it. Sometimes, we play with a no.6 and two midfield players in front.
"Without Mkhitaryan, if we want to play with a no.10, obviously Wayne is this position. It's where he was playing with us in many matches, so he is an option for me. A final is a special match and he's an option for me."
When asked whether sentiment would play any part in his team selection, the boss made it clear what his policy will be when it comes to naming his XI.
"The best 11 players," he stated. "We win all together. It doesn't matter if you play, didn't play, if you play much or don't play much. I go for the best possible team."
Check out our EFL Cup final microsite.

Mourinho raring to go ahead of EFL Cup final

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho says he'll relish the challenge of this weekend's EFL Cup final and has his sights set on glory at Wembley.
Mourinho won the competition on three occasions while in charge at Chelsea, and would become the first-ever United boss to win a trophy in his opening season if he can guide the Reds to victory over Southampton on Sunday.
Mourinho is raring to go ahead of the "special" clash, one which he says cannot come soon enough. “I just want to play, I can’t wait," he told MUTV. "I’m not nervous. I’ve had many years in football, many finals - I want to play.
“I want to win, I want to play, I want a challenge. I like finals and big games. I want to feel responsibility, big responsibility – that’s all.
“I'll go for dinner with all my assistants. We’re in a positive way, we’re together and we start now being together and focused on the game. It’s not one more game, it’s always a special match. Everything is normal – we train, we travel, we are ready."
Mourinho was quick to acknowledge the threat posed by Claude Puel's Southampton, but is keen not to let the final distract from the Reds' battle on all fronts.
“In this competition, Southampton have done amazingly well," he added. "We had a difficult run, we had to play three Premier League teams; we had West Ham at home, Hull in two legs, and Manchester City. It was phenomenal [for Southampton], they had two legs against Liverpool, Arsenal away, I think they had Crystal Palace at home [plus Sunderland]. It’s a phenomenal run, winning every game, not conceding. As a cup team, phenomenal.
“I think we have to find strength and motivation, even when the results are not good. We play against Bournemouth [after Wembley] and it doesn’t matter what happens in the final, we have to go to Old Trafford. If you want to finish in the top four or have a chance of that, we must beat Bournemouth. We must finish the final and then play Bournemouth. If you win, happiness always helps you for the next match.”

United's team news for EFL Cup final

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has ruled Henrikh Mkhitaryan out of the EFL Cup final with Southampton but expects Michael Carrick to be available.
Both players were injured in the Europa League tie at Saint-Etienne on Wednesday with goalscorer Mkhitaryan feeling his hamstring and Carrick being withdrawn in the second half due to a calf problem.
Wayne Rooney has stepped up his comeback in training and will be involved as the Reds take on the Saints at Wembley this Sunday. The skipper scored the winner the last time the club lifted the trophy, against Aston Villa in 2010.
A decision will be taken on the fitness of centre-back Phil Jones on Saturday as he is also closing on a return.
"Michael [Carrick] is available," said the boss. "Clever, experienced. He left the pitch [against Saint-Etienne] in the right moment so Michael is available. Mkhitaryan is out and Jones, let's see and decide tomorrow.
"Wayne's fine, he's training with the team. He was not selected for Saint-Etienne because he was not ready to play but he was ready to have one more important training session and no doubts, no doubts, he is involved in the game."
Ander Herrera is back in the fold after being suspended for the midweek win at Saint-Etienne while Eric Bailly's ban only covers the Europa League, so he will miss the trip to Russia to face FC Rostov, following his red card in France.

Club to mark Munich anniversary

Manchester United will continue to pay tributes to those who lost their lives in the Munich Air Disaster in 1958.
This Monday (6 February) will be the 59th anniversary of the tragedy which claimed the lives of 23 people on the way back to Manchester from Belgrade.
Fans will gather outside Old Trafford from 14:45 GMT on Monday by the Munich memorial, where poems will be cited before a minute's silence at 15:04 - the time of the fatal accident which claimed the lives of eight Busby Babes.
The club have worked with fan groups on the commemorations, which will also include readings from United’s club chaplain, The Pride of Football song and a traditional rendition of The Flowers of Manchester.
Along with the plans to mark the exact anniversary of the tragedy, there will also be a ceremony on Saturday 11 February at Old Trafford, before United take on Watford. Fans can meet for the tribute at the South East corner of the stadium from 13:45, before the 15:00 kick-off.
Players will wear black armbands at the home game against Watford, while the families of those who died in the disaster will be welcomed as special guests of the club.
Supporters who cannot attend either of the ceremonies at Old Trafford, can pay tribute via social media, using the hashtags #BusbyBabes and #FlowersOfManchester

Smalling ready for Leicester test

In a successful departure from his ‘day job’, Manchester United defender Chris Smalling scored when he last faced Leicester City – in September's 4-1 home win - and netted again last weekend in the Reds’ Emirates FA Cup win over Wigan Athletic.
The centre-back, who has started five of United's last seven games and captained the side against Stoke, also popped up positively in the opponents’ penalty area during Wednesday’s 0-0 draw with Hull City. His header set up what looked like the breakthrough moment until Eldin Jakupovic blocked Juan Mata’s shot.
Yet Smalling, who came on for the injured Phil Jones in midweek, will naturally prioritise his defensive duties if he’s selected for the Leicester City match on Sunday and concentrate on keeping his England team-mate Jamie Vardy quiet at the King Power Stadium.
Here's what Chris had to say about Vardy, United's permutations in central defence and the busy schedule ahead when speaking to MUTV on Friday morning...

Do you like the fact there is going to be game after game in different competitions?Yes, I prefer to play games rather than just play one game in a week and train for five or six days. I’d rather play, recover, have a light training session and play. That’s what I’d always prefer and I probably think most players would prefer that because we like to play games. Training every day is good and you can improve but the games are what it’s all about.

At centre-back we’ve got Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones, Daley Blind and Eric Bailly as potential partners for you. Is it a case of trying to build an understanding with each one of those so that you’re ready to play together?Yes definitely. I think in training we’re often playing with different partners and in any given game you never know what sort of forwards you’re going to be up against. I think a lot of that understanding is based around our training and what we do on a daily basis but I feel very comfortable with all of them and likewise they all feel comfortable because we play with each other every day.
Our next game is against Leicester City of course. Are you surprised to see the champions where they are in the table at the moment?Yes, I think I am and I think a lot of people are. Whether they were going to be challenging for the title again or not, I’d expect them to be higher than they are. But I don’t think we can forget their qualities which made them the champions, the current champions, so I think we need to be more wary of their potential threats and what they did last year rather than the situation they find themselves in now.

Jamie Vardy wrote in his autobiography that you were his most difficult opponent. Is it nice to hear a fellow professional say that about you?Yes it is, and especially when Jamie’s one of those players that the majority of defenders would find very hard to play against. I’d say that as well because of his unpredictability, his pace and his work rate so to hear that – and I did read that - it gives you a little smile when they see that you’re a bit of a pest to them.

He, like Leicester, is not having as good a season this time around. But is he still the sort of opponent who doesn’t give you a minute’s peace as a defender?Yes he is. Whether or not he’s on a roll of scoring however many goals last season, I think he’s someone who will always give his all for the team and no matter their situation or how many goals he’s scored, he won’t let it rest. You know that when you’ve got the ball, you’ll have a few seconds less than you would in the majority of games.

MUTV will show the full exclusive interview with Chris Smalling in Matchday Live at 15:00 GMT on Sunday.

Mourinho: We must be more clinical

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho hopes for a change in luck and a more ruthless approach as his side look to get back to winning ways against Leicester City this weekend.
Despite dominating again on Wednesday, the Reds were denied three vital Premier League points by a dogged Hull City display in a goalless draw at Old Trafford.
Mourinho’s men have been thwarted by the woodwork and the inspired displays of opposition goalkeepers – most recently the Tigers' Eldin Jakupovic – numerous times this season.
But the boss admitted at his Friday press conference that he also wants his players to be more emphatic in front of goal, in order to turn dominance into victories.
Asked by one journalist how the team’s conversion rate of shots to goals could be improved, Mourinho replied: "Look, I hope the goalkeepers make mistakes against us like they do against other teams. I see many goalkeepers make huge mistakes the week before and against us they all look absolutely fabulous.
"I hope that the relation with the post becomes better. I also hope that in front of goal we are more objective. We go really to smash the ball in the net because we also miss goals one metre from the goalline – and not once or twice.
"So I agree with and understand this question. There are teams that are very defensive and they score with their first shot; with us it's the opposite. We always start the game to play and to try to score and win. We don't lose a match in the Premier League since around 20 October. It's a lot; it's three months or so, but we should score more goals and win more matches."
One game in which United were decidedly clinical was the reverse fixture against the Foxes in September, when the Reds were 4-0 up by half-time and went on to beat the champions 4-1.
"It was the only match in the Premier League where every chance was a goal," Mourinho told MUTV. "For half-an-hour, every chance was a goal.
"We start normally matches at home and, after five minutes, we have already one or two chances we don’t score. In that game, first chance – goal, second chance – goal, third chance – goal. Game over. So let’s see if we can do the same. But it won’t be easy, of course."
Referring further to United’s 14-game unbeaten league run, Mourinho added: "I always say we play to win but if we cannot win, get a point.
"It’s not what you want but at least keep that positive feeling, that positive momentum, especially because with our draws we always deserve more, never less. So the feeling is always a bit of frustration but at the same time you are convinced you are doing things very well."

Match preview: Leicester City v United

How can I follow the match? Manchester United’s Premier League match against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium will kick off at 16:00 GMT on Sunday. It will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports but MUTV subscribers can see all the build-up in Match Day Live from 15:00 GMT, then watch highlights on ManUtd.com or the full game on MUTV at midnight. Fans can also follow the action as it happens via ManUtd.com’s live blog and the club's official Twitter account, @ManUtd.
Set the scene for me… After an impressive run of nine straight victories in all competitions was halted by last month's draw against Liverpool, the Reds have struggled to find the same winning form of late and were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Hull City on Wednesday night. But United remain unbeaten in 14 Premier League games and will be determined to return to winning ways against an inconsistent Leicester side, who are languishing in 16th place in the table.
Any team news? Phil Jones is the only senior player unavailable for the Reds after coming off with a bruised foot in the second half against Hull. Jones said after that game that the problem was not serious but Mourinho confirmed in his pre-match press conference that his centre-back will not be ready to feature against Leicester. Meanwhile, third-choice keeper Joel Pereira has picked up an injury, so Dean Henderson has been recalled from his loan spell at Grimsby Town and is eligible for Sunday's squad, if required.
What about Leicester? The Foxes could have Islam Slimani back for the first time since the Algerian picked up a minor groin injury while away with his country in the Africa Cup of Nations. Fellow forward Leonardo Ulloa is likely to miss out on facing the Reds with a muscular problem but deadline-day signing Molla Wague could be in the squad after the defender joined from Italian club Udinese on loan for the rest of the season.
How have the Foxes been faring? Well, perhaps unsurprisingly, the Foxes have struggled to live up to the heights of last season, when they defied odds of 5000-1 to storm to a first-ever top-flight title. Claudio Ranieri’s side find themselves only two points above the relegation zone after Tuesday night’s 1-0 defeat at Burnley and their only win in six games during January was a 2-1 success at Everton in the FA Cup. Despite boasting a prolific strikeforce, Leicester have struggled for goals recently, netting just once in their last six league games and failing to score in any of the last four.    
What about our previous meetings? After both league games finished 1-1 last season, the Reds have enjoyed better success against the East Midlands outfit this term and are looking for a hat-trick of victories after a 2-1 win in the Community Shield at Wembley last August and a thumping 4-1 success in the Premier League in September, when United were 4-0 up by half-time at Old Trafford.
We’ve been good defensively recently, haven’t we? Yes, in fact the Reds have maintained a solid defensive record throughout the season so far, conceding just 21 goals in 23 Premier League games. Indeed, only the league's top two teams – Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea – have kept more clean sheets than United’s eight and, against Leicester, Mourinho’s men are seeking a third successive shutout in all competitions for the second time already in 2017.
Any former Reds in the Leicester ranks? Yes, there are two players who could face their old club on Sunday. Right-back Danny Simpson came through the United Academy and appeared three times for the first team in between several loan spells, before joining Newcastle permanently in 2010, while midfielder Danny Drinkwater was a regular for United’s Under-18s and Reserves but didn’t make a senior appearance before leaving for Leicester in 2012. Matty James is also a United Academy product but the midfielder was loaned to Championship side Barnsley last week.   
Who are our other rivals playing? The Premier League weekend will begin with a heavyweight battle between London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal as the leaders face the third-placed Gunners at Stamford Bridge, while Liverpool travel to bottom club Hull and Spurs host Middlesbrough later on Saturday. On Sunday, Manchester City will take on Swansea City at the Etihad Stadium before the Reds kick off in Leicester. Here is the full list of fixtures:
Saturday 4 February (15:00 GMT unless stated)Chelsea v Arsenal (12:30)
Crystal Palace v Sunderland
Everton v Bournemouth
Hull City v Liverpool
Southampton v West Ham United
Watford v Burnley
West Bromwich Albion v Stoke City
Tottenham Hotspur v Middlesbrough (17:30)

Sunday 5 February
Manchester City v Swansea City (13:30)
Leicester City v Manchester United (16:00)

Jose: Nobody expected Foxes to retain title

Jose Mourinho is unsurprised by Leicester City's struggles as Premier League champions in lieu of their new European commitments this season, yet the manager still expects a "very difficult match" when his Manchester United side visit the King Power Stadium on Sunday. 
Leicester are currently 16th in the table and only two points above the relegation zone after 23 matches played, which is quite a comedown from their heroics of 2015/16. Mourinho feels it is partly due to the club’s commitment in the Champions League, with the Foxes now playing more than one match a week.
The manager was quizzed on Leicester’s form during his pre-match press conference at the Aon Training Complex, when it was pointed out that only he and Sir Alex Ferguson have retained the Premier League title in history. Asked why Ranieri is struggling this season, he gave a considered response.
“First of all I think what Leicester did is one of the big things in the world of football,” Jose said. “I think nobody, even them, would expect to be champions again. What they did was unique, it was so unique that Claudio deserved to be named best manager in the world. It was amazing what they did.
“I don't think it would be possible to do a second season, especially playing in the Champions League at the same time. The Champions League is hard. They were working for one complete season with one match per week, competing against other teams domestically that were playing in the Champions League while they weren’t. That is a big, big, big difference for them.
“So nobody would expect them - not even them - to be fighting for the title again. But the manager is there, the players are there, the team is there and they are a very good team.
“It's a very difficult match for us and also a very difficult match for them. I have total respect for what they did and for the change of life they are experiencing. I think next season will be much better for them again. This is new for them; the Champions League and being champions is a lot."