Manchester United recommence their Europa League campaign with the first leg against FC Rostov at the Olimp-2 stadium tonight.
United manager Jose Mourinho wanted to have the game postponed over the state of the Rostov pitch but Uefa confirmed on Wednesday afternoon the game would go ahead.
The Uefa statement said: "A pitch inspection has been carried out by the match officials on Wednesday. The playing surface may not be in perfect condition, but has been deemed playable. The match will go ahead as scheduled."
Mourinho had previously said: "It's still hard for me to believe we are going to play. I know we have to, but it is hard for me to believe we are going to play tomorrow in that field - if you can call it a field."
United have won six of their eight Europa League fixtures so far this season and their two defeats came abroad.
Key Events
Is Blind in midfield?
Or is Young? Or is it three at the back?
Confirmed United team
Romero
Jones
Rojo
Pogba
Ibrahimovic
Smalling
Blind
Young
Herrera
Mkhitaryan
Fellaini
Subs
De Gea
Mata
Martial
Lingard
Carrick
Rashford
Valencia
Weather's turned for the worse
The sunshine was deceptive.
State of the Rostov pitch
Here it is:
Kanchelskis cheering on United
“To score one goal against Rostov would not be enough. They are a well-organised team, and they will play at home in front of a packed stadium,” he told Uefa.
Mourinho's arrived
Explaining the team, perhaps.
Thirteen years ago today
You could watch European football on terrestrial TV, Des Lynam was presenting and Jose Mourinho left his calling card at Old Trafford.
Peek inside the United coach
United are about to set off for the stadium.
Fans' advice to United players leaving hotel
A Russian-speaking colleague has confirmed one has just shouted “Don’t be like PSG!”
Rostov scene-setter
Or sun-setter.
ANOTHER award for Mkhitaryan
He has won the United Goal of the Month award for February. That completes a unique hat-trick.
United preparing to leave their hotel
There’s quite the crowd outside it.
Russian Reds greet Mkhitaryan
He might be United’s most popular player out there.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRWhdJYlrGO/
Is this the most deplorable man in football?
He’s only missed by those success-starved Kopites whose decades without a title were almost ended by their cheating, flash-gnawing idol who racially abused an opponent.
Never forget, bitterness is invigorating. United scouted Suarez in 2010. Great player though he is, he is utterly charmless.
Tonight's Europa League fixtures
A reminder the kick-off times is 6pm in the UK. And that United should win the competition.
Luke Shaw resurfaces on Twitter
Pretty clear what he was reacting to.
New banner in Russia
A very Russian backdrop.
Blue sky in Russia
Not the weather one tends to associate Eastern Europe with.
Who should start for United?
The pitch resembles a cricket wicket but the Europa League is United’s best route back into the Champions League amid their inconsistent Premier League form. Their strongest possible team should start.
Inconsiderate scheduling for their FA Cup tie has turned out to aid United and the additional ‘rest’ day is another reason for Mourinho to play his best available side.
The majority of the XI picks itself. The one quibble is in central defence, where Phil Jones performed haphazardly against Bournemouth. Chris Smalling has looked jittery there for much of the season but has had more playing time recently and might be the safer option in Eric Bailly’s absence.
Shaw and Rooney won’t be playing, so there’ll be a minimum of two changes and Mkhitaryan might be a third.
Yours truly has gone for this:
It's hospitable in Rostov
Zlatan’s been delighting the supporters.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRYNHbAhzrv/
Mourinho makes decision on Luke Shaw future
He’s not playing today but there’s good news for the United left-back.
