Jose Mourinho bemoans 'very bad' start to Manchester United's pre-season with star names away

Jose Mourinho has bemoaned a “very bad” start to Manchester United’s pre-season with a host of his star players currently unavailable to him.

Marcus Rashford, Phil Jones, Romelu Lukaku, Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba did not fly to the United States for the Red Devils tour due to their involvement in the World Cup final four and will not return until nearer the start of the Premier League season.

To further lessen Mourinho’s options stateside Alexis Sanchez was unable to travel to the States due to an issue with his visa relating to the Chilean’s accepting a 16-month suspended sentence in Spain over tax issues.

“Pre-season is very bad, I have to say that,” Mourinho said, before adding “I am worried because I am not training with all my players.”

On Sanchez, Mourinho said “he's very sad, it's not good for him or me, not good for anyone. There is no one to blame — the club is making an effort.

“I have to respect the U.S. authorities in their process of selection of visas. I hope he will come to join us.”

United begin their pre-season against Club America and will also take on AC Milan, Liverpool and Real Madrid in their sojourn stateside.