Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho aims dig at Pep Guardiola and Arsene Wenger over injuries

Mourinho appeared unhappy with his rivals' lack of transparency over injuries

Mark Critchley
Tuesday 05 December 2017 23:35 GMT
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Jose Mourinho insisted that Manchester United tell 'the truth' about injuries
Jose Mourinho insisted that Manchester United tell 'the truth' about injuries (Getty)

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Jose Mourinho aimed a thinly-veiled dig at rivals Pep Guardiola and Arséne Wenger while offering an update on injuries after Manchester United's 2-1 Champions League win over CSKA Moscow.

United sealed progression to the competition's last 16 for the first time in four seasons after goals from Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford cancelled out Alan Dzagoev's opener.

Yet even after seeing his side progress, Mourinho reacted to comments made by Guardiola regarding the current fitness of Manchester City's David Silva.

Guardiola told reporters on Tuesday that Silva is doubt for Sunday's Manchester derby against United, but refused to specify the midfielder's problem, simply describing the issue as “something”.

Before facing United at the Emirates last week, Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette was ruled out with a groin problem, only to be later named in Wenger's starting line-up.

“Our opponents have all these issues,” Mourinho told BT Sport. “They have a big issue but in the end everybody is ready to play. They have phenomenal organisations. We are a bit more humble.

“When we have a problem, we have a problem. When players are injured, they are injured. I tell you the truth.”

In his post-match press conference, Mourinho expanded on United's current injury problems and specifically referenced Lacazette and Silva's respective situations.

“The truth is Eric Bailly no chance for the weekend,” he said, when asked which of his currently-injured players would be available on Sunday.

“Phil Jones, a chance. Fellaini, a chance. Zlatan, a big chance. Matic is injured but will play for sure. I'm telling the truth. He is injured but he will play for sure. Carrick no chance.”

Mourinho added: “It's the truth. No stories of Lacazette, David Silva. All the truth.”

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