Jose Mourinho angered by Chelsea vs Manchester United FA Cup schedule and hits out at Manchester City

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Jose Mourinho admitted his frustration at Manchester United'sFA Cup quarter-final date with Chelsea being confirmed before Friday's Europa League draw as the fixtures mount up for the Red Devils.

There is little let-up on the horizon and the United boss was irked by the Football Association having already announced the quarter-final with Chelsea will be on Monday, 13 March, sandwiched between their Europa League last-16 first and second legs.

Mourinho was perplexed by the decision to announce the date before Friday's European draw and took a shot at the organisers, as well as a swipe at rivals Manchester City after their much-changed side last season lost 5-1 at Chelsea in the FA Cup.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Michael Carrick picked up injury problems ahead of Sunday's EFL Cup final against Southampton, with Mourinho confirming that both players will likely miss the Wembley clash.

Asked if he was worried the FA Cup scheduling would hinder his chances of progress, Mourinho said: "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.

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"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.

"I cannot play against Chelsea with the second team. I cannot play against Chelsea with the under-21s like Manchester City did last year. I cannot do that - we are Manchester United.

"I don't do that as Manchester United manager. I don't do that to the FA Cup because the FA Cup is not guilty of these decisions.

"The FA Cup is beautiful, the competition is historical. I have to treat Manchester United supporters and the FA Cup in the right way.

"I cannot go there with under-21s. Probably they would deserve it, but I don't do that, so what is going to happen is an accumulation of matches.

"People playing a lot of matches, I have to make some rotation but some of the boys will have to play in all these consecutive matches.

"And if situations like the Mkhitaryan one or the Carrick one happen, they happen."

Additional reporting by the Press Association.

Source: Standard UK