Mourinho admits “everything is really bad” ahead of new EPL season

Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho has said he is worried about the start of the new season, after seeing his squad hit by World Cup absentees.

Mourinho faced the press for the first time this summer in Los Angeles, ahead of United’s opening pre-season encounter against Mexican side Club America.

But the Portuguese was frustrated because nine players will miss all of United’s two-week stay in the US.

Although the trio of David De Gea, Nemanja Matic and new signing Fred will link up with the United squad next week, Mourinho will be without the likes of Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku and Jesse Lingard, and he fears that will take a toll when the Premier League gets underway.

“Pre-season is very bad, I have to say that. The only positive thing of pre-season is for the young boys that have a fantastic opportunity to train with us and know what it is to be a Manchester United first team player.

“Next week will come De Gea, Matic and Fred which is good, especially for Fred, a new player to be with us.

“But everything is really bad. Then we go [back] to the UK and we have to play Premier League.

“I’m worried. I have to be worried.

“I’m worried because I’m not training and then go to the Premier League without lots of players.

“But we have to try to make the best out of it and work with the players we have here. Maybe it’s good for Luke Shaw, Eric Bailly, Andreas Pereira,” Mourinho said.

Mourinho also spoke on the absence of Alexis Sanchez, with the former Arsenal forward still working to resolve visa issues.

“If Alexis is not working with us for 15 to 20 days, it will be very bad.

“I know the club is making the effort. I have to respect the US authorities in their process and selection of visas.

“Hopefully he can come and join us later, because it will be important to work with him,” he added.

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