Preview: Swans v Manchester United
Swansea City welcome Manchester United to the Liberty Stadium tonight (7.45pm) as Paul Clement’s men go in search of a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
The Swans will be looking to put Saturday’s frustrating defeat to Leicester City behind them as they take on the current League Cup holders.
But United will also be keen to make amends for weekend disappointment after they suffered a shock loss to Huddersfield Town.
The Swans beat the Terriers at the Liberty 10 days ago, but they failed to build on that result against Leicester.
Clement was left frustrated by his team’s defensive frailties as they went down 2-1 to the Foxes.
In West Yorkshire, meantime, Jose Mourinho questioned his players’ attitude after they were beaten 2-1 by newly-promoted Huddersfield.
That leaves both sides with something to prove as they return to action tonight, albeit in a different competition.
Team news
Leroy Fer is back in contention for the Swans having sat out the Leicester defeat through suspension.
He adds to a host of midfield options for Clement, where Roque Mesa will start.
Renato Sanches, however, is unavailable due to a thigh injury.
Wilfried Bony is still on the sidelines because of a hamstring problem, although the striker may come into contention for Saturday’s trip to Arsenal.
Kyle Bartley is still some way off returning to action.
United have injury concerns at the back after Phil Jones picked up a quad injury in the Huddersfield defeat. Eric Bailly and Marcos Rojo have also been on the sidelines.
Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini, Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have all had injury problems.
What they said
Swans manager Paul Clement: “When we perform at the level we are capable of defensively, offensively and individually, our crowd will get more excited about what they are seeing on the pitch. It’s down to us to make that happen.”
Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata: “On Tuesday, we’re back to the Carabao Cup. It’s against Swansea, a Premier League side, and we play them at the Liberty Stadium, so it’s going to be a tough game. But, we are the reigning champions and we will try our best to win and keep moving forward.”
Last six meetings
19.8.17 Swans 0 Manchester United 4
30.4.17 Manchester United 1 Swans 1
6.11.16 Swans 1 Manchester United 3
2.1.16 Manchester United 2 Swans 1
30.8.15 Swans 2 Manchester United 1
21.2.15 Swans 2 Manchester United 1
Pre-match stats
1 – The number of first-team games 21-year-old Oli McBurnie has started for the Swans. He has made nine appearances in all.
6 – The total number of goals the Swans have scored in the first two rounds of the Carabao Cup. That is the same number they have managed in nine league games this season.
