Jose Mourinho admits Manchester United are 'not a team' after second consecutive pre-season draw
The Red Devils boss watched as his side played out a 0-0 stalemate with San Jose Earthquakes in San Francisco
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jose Mourinho admits Manchester United are "not a team" after a second consecutive draw of their pre-season tour of the United States.
The Red Devils boss watched as his makeshift side drew for a second game in a row failing to score in 0-0 stalemate against San Jose Earthquakes in San Francisco.
With many of his best players missing the trip after World Cup commitments, the Portuguese appeared content that the squad - this time with Alexis 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," said 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.
"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."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments