José Mourinho has confirmed that first-choice goalkeeper David de Gea will return in goal against Arsenal ahead of Sunday’s afternoon encounter.

The 26-year-old Spaniard watched from the substitutes’ bench as Sergio Romero kept a clean sheet during their narrow 1-0 win over Celta Vigo.

Romero has kept seven clean sheets in the Europa League this term, more than any other goalkeeper during the competition. Mourinho, however, has refused to label his goalkeepers based on the competitions they feature.

As quoted by the Daily Star he said, “I don’t like to say this competition is for that goalkeeper, this comp for another one. I don’t like that complete separation. So Sunday, David [de Gea] plays.

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de Gea (L) in action against Arsenal during November’s 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, pictured here denying Nacho Monreal from close-range. (Photo source: Oli Scarff / Getty Images)

Mourinho stressed he will play a weakened side against Arsenal to cope with the extra demands of the Europa League on his squad. Injuries and fatigue have depleted United’s depth in recent months.

Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Anthony Martial and Juan Mata are all, however, set to return at the Emirates.

Marouane Fellaini (suspended) is definitely out. Ashley Young is a major doubt after picking up an injury against Celta Vigo. Marcus Rashford, who was also injured in that game, could be available.

Luke Shaw, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Marcos Rojo are all out for the season.

De Gea starting though, seems self-explanatory.

Romero has only made one Premier League appearance this term, in a 3-0 win over Sunderland before Christmas.

In 10 previous league meetings against Arsenal, de Gea has only been on the losing side once.