Mourinho hails two Manchester United players for praise and gives update ahead of derby clash

Jose Mourinho poured praise on defender Luke Shaw and striker Romelu Lukaku as his Manchester United side secured top spot in Champions League Group A with a 2-1 win against CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford.

Lukaku scored only his second goal in his last 13 games as United came from behind to secure a fifth Champions League win of the season, with Shaw catching the eye as he started his first game of the season and earning plaudits from his manager.

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AS IT HAPPENED: Manchester United 2-1 CSKA Moscow

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“Luke Shaw offensively was very good and made a great contribution for the team, stated Mourinho.

“I was satisfied with his performance. Shaw had waited for a long time, it is not easy to give an opportunity to a player in matches when we need results. I wanted to make changes, but Luke managed 90 minutes and I told him it is a opportunity to increase his levels.”

Lukaku’s goal will have been welcomed by Mourinho ahead of Sunday’s big Premier League clash against Manchester City, as he suggested his Belgian striker was still an asset to his team even when he is not scoring goals.

“His work for the team is crazy,” stated Mourinho. “I would always pick my strikers to score the goals and it was good for him to score.”

Mourinho hinted that Nemanja Matic will return to his team for the City game on Sunday, with Marouane Fellaini and Phil Jones also on course to be fit for the most eagerly anticipated Premier League game of the season.

The United boss also confirmed Zlatan Ibrahimovic has a ‘big chance’ to play against Pep Guardiola’s side, with the Swedish striker tipped to start his first game since recovering from a serious knee injury.