Jose Mourinho has expressed his frustration at the English FA's decision to stage their FA Cup quarter-final against Chelsea in between their upcoming Europa League fixtures.
Manchester United are due to face Chelsea on March 13th, four days after the first leg of their Europa League last-16 clash and three days before the second leg.
The identity of their opposition will be revealed at a draw tomorrow in Nyon, and Mourinho says he is disappointed that the FA Cup schedule has been finalised before the European draw has even taken place. The FA Cup quarter-finals draw took place on Sunday evening.
He told Sky Sports that the proximity of the domestic and European matches could have an adverse impact on his players.
"Of course and I feel really surprised that the decision is made before our draw in Europe."
"Because in this moment nobody knows where we play, nobody knows where the first and second matches are. Imagine we play Chelsea on Monday and then we have to go to the second match in Europe in Russia, Turkey or Greece."
"I think once more the interests, they go in front of the clubs and English football's interests, and nobody cares about it. But this is what I have.
He went on to insist that he will be fielding a strong team for the FA Cup tie against Chelsea, and made a cutting remark about the team Man City put out for their 5-1 defeat to Chelsea in the fifth round of last year's competition.
"I cannot play against Chelsea with the second team. I cannot play against Chelsea with the U21s like Manchester City did last year. I cannot do that - we are Manchester United."
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