Jose Mourinho jokes he might have to play for Manchester United against Swansea

By Lyall Thomas

Image: Jose Mourinho only has three fit centre-backs for the clash with Swansea

Jose Mourinho has joked that he might have to pick himself at centre-back when Manchester United play Swansea this weekend.

United may be forced to play 19-year-old academy graduate Axel Tuanzebe, with Eric Bailly or Daley Blind the only fit centre-halves because of injuries to Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo,

Paul Pogba, Juan Mata and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are all out as well, while Tim Fosu-Mensah injured his calf after coming off the bench in Thursday's goalless draw at Manchester City, and Marouane Fellaini is suspended after being sent-off for a headbutt on Sergio Aguero.

Image: Youngster Axel Tuanzebe could make an appearance against the Swans

And Mourinho admitted Fellaini's suspension could see a temporary return to the midfield for Wayne Rooney.

"In this moment it's the only option we have (at centre-back): Axel, Eric and Daley," Mourinho said.

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"I have to speak with them and see how they are and how they feel.

Image: Wayne Rooney could return to midfielder because of United's injuries

He joked: "I'm also training hard in the gym so I can be an option also; Mourinho and Tuanzebe against Swansea."

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"It's an option (to play Rooney in midfield). We don't have (other options). We have (Ander) Herrera and (Michael) Carrick and nothing else.

"We are in trouble, but we fight. That's for sure."

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