Manchester United: Juan Mata ‘missing’ from EFL Cup final squad as Wayne Rooney and his teammates travel to London
Spanish midfielder wasn't amongst Jose Mourinho's pack taking train down south following Henrikh Mkhitaryan blow
MANCHESTER UNITED have travelled down to London for Sunday’s EFL Cup final against Southampton.
But there was no sight of Juan Mata as the players boarded their train at Stockport station this afternoon, fuelling speculation that he’ll be missing for tomorrow’s clash at Wembley.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan is already out of the highly-awaited game after picking up a hamstring injury in the recent Europa League last-32 second-leg win over French side Saint Etienne.
Mata was missing in order to attend his grandfather's funeral in his home country - but is racing back TONIGHT to be involved in the Saints game.
But if Mata does join the Armenian on the sidelines, it could mean a rare start for beleaguered captain Wayne Rooney.
United’s record goalscorer has missed the last three matches with a muscular problem and turned down a lucrative move to the Chinese Super League earlier this week.
But Rooney could feature as a No.10 for the Red Devils as they look to add to August’s Community Shield victory over Leicester.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba and David De Gea all seemed to be relaxed as they prepared for the journey to the capital.
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Boss Jose Mourinho was also pictured with his phone in his hand, perhaps trying to find out just where exactly Mata is.
The Spaniard has been in top form this season, chipping in with nine goals and three assists in all competitions, despite being linked with a move away following the Special One’s appointment.