Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho has complained of tight fixtures again.
He has criticised the schedule of the club in recent weeks as they juggle between the various competitions they are involved in.
The Red Devils are set to play Ajax in next week’s Europa League final. Mourinho says he is frustrated that the team did not get more time to prepare. The Portuguese preferred that the last games of the season – which are played at the same time – should have been moved to Saturday instead of the Sunday afternoon it is scheduled.
The game presents Mourinho with an opportunity to get Champions League football next season if they win the title. It would be another opportunity to get a major trophy aside their EFL Cup.
As the former Chelsea coach wanted to save energy for the must-win fixture, he played an under strength side in the draw against Southampton – especially since their Premier League fate was sealed. He left out David De Gea, fielding Sergio Romero. Marcus Rashford, Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera, and Paul Pogba were also left out to rest for the Stockholm final.
Mourinho argued that they should have played on Saturday since they were finishing in the sixth spot regardless of the results from the match. Palace was also safe from relegation as well – after Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Hull City were confirmed as the three sides sliding downwards to the lower tier. He said he did not bother asking for a switch in schedule as he knew it would not be granted.
Mourinho said he would field an inexperienced side as he rests the senior team for the match. He said he would give the club’s third choice keeper Joel Pereira his debut in the final league game. He asks that Palace goes soft as well. He asks Big Sam, Wilfred Zaha and Christian Benteke to soft pedal when they meet.