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Jose Mourinho explains why he dropped players for Man Utd v Chelsea clash
JOSE MOURINHO says he had to rest some players for Manchester United’s clash with Chelsea after they reported back from Anderlecht feeling jaded.
Jose Mourinho says he had to rest some Manchester United players
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho made four changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Anderlecht on Thursday.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Michael Carrick drop out of the starting XI.
United are trying to win the Europa League and finish in the top four this season, with either route securing them Champions League football next term.
And Mourinho revealed he made his team selection after hearing from his players.
“You can see in the team today we make some changes, especially after player feedback because that is important to us,” Mourinho said.
“Some other players played on Thursday and have to play again.
“After this match we have to think about (next) Thursday but we are in two competitions, while it is mathematically possible we have to fight.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic started on the bench for Man Utd
On United’s players being motivated for the clash, Mourinho added: “To play against the top teams is always a motivation. And I prefer to play against a top team.
“Two days after Anderlecht where the motivation was probably not too high.”