Mourinho vows to match Chelsea strength for strength

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho insists he will not play a reserve team in the FA Cup quarter-final against Chelsea.

United were held to a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Rostov in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday.

They visit Chelsea on Monday and three days later welcome the Russian outfit to Old Trafford for their return leg.

Despite the busy schedule, Mourinho said he was unwilling to simply play kids – referring to United head of academy Nicky Butt – against his former club.

“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.”

United have already added the EFL Cup to their Community Shield success, and they sit sixth in the Premier League, but Mourinho wants his team to keep their possibilities open.

“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.”