Jose Mourinho has urged his Manchester United players to channel the “anger” of conceding late against Chelsea into their Champions League clash with Juventus on Tuesday night.
United currently sit second in Group G – two points behind Juventus – ahead of their double-header with the Serie A champions.
The goalless draw against Valencia earlier this month consigned Mourinho to a fourth consecutive home game without a win for the first time in his managerial career.
However, Mourinho has seen a response from his side since trailing 2-0 at half-time against Newcastle, and the Portuguese wants his players to continue their resurgence against Juventus.
“There were contradictory feelings after the Chelsea match,” Mourinho said at Monday’s press conference.
“I told the players we have to keep that happiness, pride and confidence in the way we played. But on the other side, use the anger to motivate ourselves to play a big match.
“United’s form was shown in the past two matches. The way we can play, and the way we want to play was shown in the last two matches, so we will try to [play that way again].”
Anthony Martial has been key to the side’s recent improvement, scoring three in two games – but his brace at the weekend was the first in the Premier League since May 2016.
The France international has only fleetingly shown his potential since his first season at United, and Mourinho added: “I think Anthony is like the team.
“When the team is playing fine, Martial is playing fine. It’s easier for individuals to play well when the team is playing well. He has been involved when the team played well and he played well too.”
Cristiano Ronaldo will look to add to his impressive record against his former club and former manager.
Ronaldo has scored five goals and provided two assists in his six Champions League games against sides he’s previously played for. This includes a goal in both of his appearances against United in the competition.
Team news
Alexis Sanchez has been ruled out of the match while Marouane Fellaini, Phil Jones, Scott McTominay, Jesse Lingard and Diogo Dalot were absent from training on Monday and will all be assessed.
Youngsters Tahith Chong, Thomas Sang and Zak Dearnley joined the session at Carrington but all three will have to settle for facing Juventus in the Youth League this week.
Emre Can has been ruled out for the Italians after being diagnosed with a thyroid nodule.
Mario Mandzukic will miss out after spraining his left ankle at training on Monday.
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