Jose Mourinho has confirmed to MUTV that David De Gea has a “small problem” that ruled him out of contention for Manchester United’s Premier League match at Sunderland.


The goalkeeper had previously started 63 top-flight matches in succession but his impressive display of consistency has now unfortunately come to an end, with Sergio Romero taking his place at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon and Joel Pereira acting as back-up on the substitute’s bench.

De Gea’s problem is not thought to be serious, although it remains to be seen whether he will feature in Thursday night’s Europa League quarter-final first leg tie away to Anderlecht.

Of course, the Spaniard may not be in the manager’s plans to face the Belgian team, given that Romero has started seven of 10 games in the European competition this season. 

Speaking to BBC Sport after Sunday's 3-0 win at Sunderland, Mourinho gave a further update on De Gea: "He has a problem with his hip. When he dives he feels it a little bit. It's good for him to have a rest. It's good for Sergio Romero to play before Brussels. De Gea will probably be fit for Chelsea - yes, if he's in good condition."