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Jose Mourinho is preparing to play Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic in defence against Tottenham in their crucial Premier League fixture tonight.

The MEN reported on the eve of Tottenham's visit that Mourinho could turn to Matic, 30, to reinforce a defence which sieved three goals at Brighton last week and Eric Bailly's apparent absence is set to result in Matic moving back into the defence. Matic could be flanked by Phil Jones and Chris Smalling in a back three.

It is understood Mourinho had earmarked Matic as an auxiliary centre half over a month ago in the event that United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward failed to clinch the signing of Tottenham's Toby Alderweireld or Harry Maguire from Leicester. Alderweireld could line up for Spurs, who also started three centre halves in their last match against Fulham, at Old Trafford this evening.

Matic's last appearance was exactly two months ago in Serbia's World Cup group stage defeat to Brazil. The Serbian underwent abdominal surgery in Philadelphia last month but resumed full training before United lost at Brighton eight days ago. Antonio Valencia and Alexis Sanchez have also returned to the squad for the Tottenham encounter.

Mourinho is likely to have settled on Matic given the lack of match-fit alternatives. Phil Jones has failed to make the first two matchday squads of the campaign and played just 25 minutes in pre-season against Bayern Munich. Jones cut short his post-World Cup break to make himself available for selection and could return to the 18 against Spurs.

Fellow centre half Marcos Rojo is close to recovering from an injury he supposedly sustained at the World Cup but United attempted to sell him in the summer amid interest from Everton.

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