People accuse Jose Mourinho of being stuck in the past. They say that Manchester United’s corporate structure is old and tired. But if this tour of America is demonstrating one thing, it’s that United aren’t afraid to think outside the box. Why, this season they’ve decided to have the injury crisis before the season even starts.
Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling, and Ander Herrera all missed training today. Apparently the Spaniard picked up a knock in last week’s loss to Liverpool, while Bailly was carrying a knock from the previous game against AC Milan. Quite what’s up with Smalling isn’t clear. Perhaps the Harry Maguire rumours have given him an ulcer.
Anyway, United’s current list of senior, active, fully training outfield players consists of: Alexis Sanchez, Juan Mata, Matteo Darmian, Luke Shaw, and Fred. The situation will of course improve when the World Cup players start to return. But given the choice between spending time with Mourinho and doing literally anything else, most of the squad seem keen to get just a little more sunshine in. How strange.
Smalling, Herrera and Bailly not training with the main group. Only senior outfield players are Sanchez, Mata, Darmian, Fred and Shaw. Dalot working separately.
— Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonESPN) July 30, 2018