Football
Rob Dawson, Correspondent 7y

Mourinho defends Valencia's rash challenge: 'I don't agree with the card'

SANDY, Utah -- Jose Mourinho has defended Antonio Valencia after the Manchester United defender was sent off during the 2-1 win over Real Salt Lake on Monday.

Referee Allen Chapman spoke to Mourinho after Valencia had fouled Sebastian Saucedo, who left stadium on crutches, in the second half at the Rio Tinto Stadium, but the United manager refused a request to substitute the Ecuadorian.

It prompted Chapman to issue a straight red card.

A challenge from Saucedo had earlier forced Juan Mata off with an ankle injury, which Mourinho says could now keep the Spaniard out for a week.

Mourinho told the post-match news conference: "I think the delay was because the referee asked me to change the player and I didn't because I don't agree with the card because Saucedo, I think is the name of the boy, was really aggressive in second half.

"That's what happens and some other actions were a bit dangerous.

"It's young people with enthusiasm playing against Manchester United but it's a friendly match and it's a different mentality. But it's preseason so no problem. It is good experience for us to play with one player less."

Valencia's red card and Mata's injury were negatives for Mourinho but a first United goal for Romelu Lukaku was a plus point as the 24-year-old got off the mark following his £75 million move from Everton last week.

Mourinho, though, was more interested in the Belgian's all-round contribution after being handed his first start.

"I think it's just nice for him, not important for me," Mourinho said.

"Before he scored the goal I told him I love everything you do on the pitch, don't be worried about scoring or not scoring.

"He gets behind people, works and presses well. I like everything he does. It's easy to feel it because he was my player four years ago and his evolution has been great. He's now a top striker. The goal is just a detail, not important."

Mourinho was also asked about the possibility of Ivan Perisic becoming his next United signing, following the arrivals of Lukaku and defender Victor Lindelof.

The Croatian winger is set to travel to China with the rest of the Inter Milan squad on Tuesday if United cannot make a breakthrough in their negotiations with the Italian side.

Mourinho, though, refused to give anything away insisting he had "no idea" about how talks are progressing.

^ Back to Top ^