With confirmation that Manchester United will contest the Europa League final against Ajax on May 24th, also came the news that Sergio Romero would be starting in the game that will essentially define the club's season.
Mourinho was very clear in his post-match press conference that, barring an unfortunate turn of events, David De Gea's backup will be taking his place between the sticks as he has done throughout the knockout stages of the competition.
David De Gea did participate in the group stages, but Mourinho opted to give Romero some deserved playing time after Christmas where the Argentina international put in some impressive, assured performances, so much so that it seemed as though the Man Utd manager was going to have a bit of a dilemma on his hands.
But that is not the case, as Jose revealed that Romero will start and it did not require much debate or discussion.
There’s no dilemma.
They are two fantastic goalkeepers. I think it is fair Sergio is going to play the final and David accepts.
He accepts that because, especially, he has already played Europa League matches. If we win the trophy, David wins the trophy because he played three matches against Feyenoord and against Fenerbahce. But if everything goes normal and we have no problems, Sergio plays the final.
I never saw in all my career two goalkeepers to be so friendly because it is a position when you always have a little bit of rivalry, especially if you are both the same kind of level.
You are speaking about Argentina national goalkeeper and Spain national goalkeeper. They are so friends and they support each other all the time. I never saw a bad face.
The idea of Romero starting the Europa League final has been discussed among the fans for a few weeks now, and it seems very much that opinion is split down the middle.
One one hand, Romero has played well, really well at times, and there is a confidence that if he plays in the final he won't be the reason United fail to win if Ajax cause an upset.
On the other hand, David De Gea is unquestionably a superior goalkeeper in every aspect of the position, and while Romero may not lose you a game, De Gea may win you one. For the club to bench arguably the best player they have, for what is an emotional reason, in the game that will define their season as either a fail or a pass, seems strange.
Clearly De Gea's feelings, and openness to Romero having the starting spot, played a big factor as the Spaniard is being a good teammate, but Manchester United are always going to be weaker when he's not in goal.
