Manchester United will be without Nemanja Vidic for this evening’s Capital One Cup semi-final second leg against Sunderland as the defender begins a three match ban following his dismissal against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.
Patrice Evra is an injury doubt after limping off in the same game, while the game has come too soon for Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, who remain side-lined.
United trail 2-1 from the first leg at the Stadium of Light two weeks ago, but are fancied by bookmakers to swing the tie back in their favour and qualify for the final at Wembley on March 2nd.
Meanwhile the club are closing in on a deal for out-of-favour Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata, but are not willing to include Wayne Rooney in any deal, according to the Independent.
Both players have been linked with the switch for some time, with Mata who seemingly closer to the exit door.
It is understood that the two-time Blues Player of the Season will be allowed to leave, should be ask manager Jose Mourinho personally, while Rooney remains very much part of David Moyes plans as United try to reduce a deficit of fourteen points between themselves and league leaders Arsenal.