MANCHESTER – AS Roma coach Paulo Fonseca has been getting the inside track on Manchester United from former players Chris Smalling and Henrikh Mkhitaryan ahead of their Europa League semi-final first leg at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Defender Smalling spent 10 years at United before signing for Roma last year following a successful loan spell while Armenian Mkhitaryan left Manchester for Arsenal in 2018 before heading to the Italian capital.
“We don’t always reach a semi-final, we understand the importance of the moment. We have seen our fans and it is important to feel this support. We want to fight for them and for the club.”
Smalling picked up a knee injury in early March that kept him out of action until last weekend. Roma struggled in the Englishman’s absence, winning one of their last seven league games to drop to seventh in the Serie A standings.
Back in the team, Smalling hopes he can help improve his side’s fortunes in a match that will hold additional significance for him.
“I have missed many matches this season (through injury) and it is unusual for me. But I feel good and I am ready to contribute. We know the importance of tomorrow.”
Reuters