Mourinho Gives Chelsea FA Cup Warning Ahead of Clash

Mourinho Gives Chelsea FA Cup Warning Ahead of Clash

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is in typical bullish mood ahead of his side’s FA Cup quarter-final against Chelsea.

United are the present Cup holders and Mourinho has made it clear they intend to defend the trophy delivered under his predecessor Louis Van Gaal last season.

The Red Devils, who were held to a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Rostov in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday, visit Chelsea on Monday before welcoming the Russians three days later at Old Trafford.

Despite the hectic schedule, Mourinho has dismissed the prospect of playing kids – referring to United head of academy Nicky Butt – against his former club, Goal writes.

“Monday we don’t go with a Nicky Butt team,” he said.

“Manchester United is too big, it is the winner of the competition. It is not Chelsea’s fault that we were given this Monday match so we have to make changes for sure because we play Monday and Rostov play Sunday, but we can’t go to Stamford Bridge with a Nicky Butt team.”

The Portuguese manager has insisted his side must keep their possibilities open as they seek to add to their EFL Cup and Community Shield success this season.

“We have to keep getting points in the Premier League to let us go to the last month with that door open, and in the Europa League if we manage to go through this round you get to the quarter-final and then you feel the door is open,” he said.

“We have to try by every means. We have a trophy in our pocket which is always a good feeling for everyone.

“But now we have the Premier League to fight for the top four, and the Europa League to fight to beat Rostov.”