Jefferson Montero ready to return for Swansea 'critical' clash with Manchester United

Bob Bradley has revealed that Jefferson Montero will be back available when Manchester United visit the Liberty Stadium on Sunday (6 November) following a long-term on the sidelines. The new manager believes that the pacy winger "has the ability to make something special happen" for the Wales side but is still unsure whether he will be ready to start the "critical" clash against the Red Devils.

Montero is yet to play a game since the 1-0 defeat to Southampton on 18 September due to an ankle injury, having since missed the last five Premier League encounters against Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Watford and Stoke City.

Bradley has thus been unable to use the winger in any of his three first games in charge but has welcomed him back for the crucial visit of Manchester United on Sunday.

"He (Montero) is fit. He brings something different – it's been good for me to see him in training," the Swansea boss said in the press conference ahead of the game. "He has the ability to make something special happen. That's always important. We will see whether he can start, but it is at least in the discussion."

Bradley admitted that he has not found yet his best starting XI after a struggling start to the life at Swansea in which he has only got one point in three games.

"No I don't. I am trying to figure out what our best XI is. When you have a team that's gone through a stretch of results like we have, you have guys in up and down form," Bradley said ahead of the game with Manchester United. "I look every day at different combinations on the field. We are still trying find our best group. Those decisions take time."

The boss hopes to find the best solution to face Manchester United as he admits that the visit of Jose Mourinho's side has become "critical" for Swansea after having failed to register a win in nine games. The 3-1 defeat to Stoke City on Monday left them second from bottom in the Premier League table, five points from safety.

"At the moment every game is critical. I said it before the last game and I will say it again," the Swansea boss added. "I believe we have a good group of players here. They are good guys and they understand the importance of where we are, but we have to turn that into better results.

"If we could beat Manchester United, it would be a reinforcement of the work we do and it would be a confidence booster. Maybe the guys would then think we can put this bad stretch behind us."