Jose Mourinho satisfied with Alexis Sanchez return but admits Manchester United 'are not a team' yet

Of Sanchez's performance against the San Jose Earthquakes, Mourinho said: 'He needed this and he made a good effort, a good physical effort, which is important for him in this moment'

Jose Mourinho seemed satisfied with Alex Sanchez’s first performance of the pre-season but the Portuguese insisted Manchester United “are not a team” yet as his side were held to a second consecutive draw on their US tour.

United and San Jose Earthquakes saw out a goalless draw in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday evening but the United boss was somewhat unfazed by the result.

With many of his best players missing the trip after World Cup commitments, Mourinho appeared content that the squad – this time with Sanchez included – were able to get some practice in, if nothing else.

“We are not a team. We’re a group of players from different teams,” he told MUTV after the game.

“Some are first-team, some under-23s, some coming from loans and going on loan, some are younger, under-18s. We don’t have a team to play much better than we did but (it’s) one more training session.”

After missing the start of the tour due to a visa issue, Sanchez started for United at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday.

The Chilean had a shot at goal from a free-kick in the 30th minute but it sailed wide of the target.

Sanchez had a hand in another close miss by Luke Shaw after the break, but United could not break the deadlock.

Sanchez in action for United on Sunday evening (Getty Images)

“Good for Alexis,” Mourinho said. “He needed this and he made a good effort, a good physical effort, which is important for him in this moment.”

Andreas Pereira performed “OK” and the boss thought he could play “even more simply”.

“But he has the personality to want the ball and to organise. I’m happy,” he added.

A potentially worrisome moment for Mourinho came after seven minutes when Antonio Valencia limped off injured.

But again, the manager remained sanguine, saying: “He’s injured and I think we need to get used to it.

“Last season he was already in this type of situation and this season he will probably have more of that.”

United next play Real Madrid on Tuesday night local time (Wednesday, 1.05am BST) at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

PA