Anything other than a weekend win against Sunderland may sway Manchester United towards being all-in on the Europa League front as they pursue Champions League qualification. Dropped points at home to Everton on Tuesday night now look costly given that top four rivals Manchester City and Liverpool were both unable to win, while Arsenal’s victory has dropped Jose Mourinho’s men back down to sixth.

A quarter-final double-header vs. Anderlecht kicks off next week, and unless they can close the gap on the domestic front, winning the competition looks to be the best route to saving their season. Alas, the Black Cats are kind opposition to be coming up against, with David Moyes’ men in hapless form as they stay rooted to the foot of the table – relegation now looks a given.

Man United are clear favourites even though they will be travelling to the North East on Sunday, and here is the XI we think Mourinho must select to get a vital victory…

GK – David de Gea

Nothing to see here… Unless there’s a late injury twist, De Gea will line up between the sticks for Man United, and even though he was, arguably, at fault for Phil Jagielka’s goal during the 1-1 draw with Everton on Tuesday the Red Devils would be no more secure with Sergio Romero starting.

RB – Antonio Valencia

Converted from his wing role of the past, Valencia has looked assured at right-back this season, with his pace and power key to Mourinho’s side’s approach. Rested against Everton due to fatigue, the Ecuadorian is likely to return at Sunderland, where his drive on the flank will be needed against a Black Cats team that will try to keep it tight as they chase a vital result.

CB – Eric Bailly

In and out of the team through injury this season, the summer signing looks to be the defender Mourinho will build his backline around over the coming years. The ex-Villarreal man has pace and power in his locker and at 22-years-old, his composure and reading of the game will only improve.

CB – Marcos Rojo

Perhaps more at fault for Jagielka’s goal than De Gea, Rojo displayed the lack of bravery that has often seen him criticised since his Man United arrival. The Argentine appeared reluctant to challenge the Everton defender as he flicked home, but with options thin on the ground for Mourinho he may have to rely on him once again.

LB – Ashley Young

Switched to left-back at half-time against Everton when Daley Blind was withdrawn for Paul Pogba, Young’s versatility could see him thrust into the role once again with Mourinho having been disparaging in his comments about Luke Shaw and seemingly not won over by the aforementioned Dutchman he hooked after 45 minutes. His wicked delivery from wide, both in open play and from set-pieces, could be useful in a tight game, too.

CM – Paul Pogba

Hurried back in after an injury absence as Man United chased the game at home to Everton, Pogba is sure to be back in the XI at Sunderland. In a game that will likely be hard-fought, a moment of individual brilliance might be needed and the world-record £89m man is better equipped than most to provide it.

CM – Ander Herrera

With Pogba the architect in the middle, Herrera will be tasked with doing the running and battling in this midfield duo. The Spaniard has proved himself to be a vital player for Mourinho, with his tenacity and game intelligence vital in freeing up other players to perform.

RAM – Marcus Rashford

With Sunderland likely to stay compact, Man United may find their best route at them is down the flanks, where the pace of Rashford could be a weapon. The England international remains raw and erratic in his end product, but he has the power and speed to test the Black Cats’ rearguard.

CAM – Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Unlocking the door will be vital for Man United at the Stadium of Light, so a creative No.10 looks to be essential… step up Mkhitaryan. The Armenian only made it onto the pitch with 25 minutes to play against Everton, so he should be fresher than some other options, which might sway Mourinho given that he’s often spoken about fatigue in his squad due to a hectic fixture list.

LAM – Jesse Lingard

Fresh from signing a new £100,000-per-week contract, Lingard will be full of confidence, which Mourinho will be wise to harness. With agility and guile around the 18-yard box, the England international could make the difference.

ST – Zlatan Ibrahimovic

So often the saviour for Man United, Ibrahimovic will surely be once again slotted into the starting XI. The big Swede has scored plenty of important goals for the Red Devils this season – including his stoppage time penalty vs. Everton, and it’s hard to see a Sunderland defence that’s been breached 53 times being able to cope with him.