‘Tetchy’ Jose issues updates on Shaw, Mkhitaryan, Rooney

Jose Mourinho has ruled out Luke Shaw and Henrikh Mkhitaryan ahead of Manchester United’s Europa League clash with FC Zorya.

The United manager has also hinted that Wayne Rooney will not play because he has a back injury and the media’s treatment of him means “he really can’t afford to have a performance that is not really good”.

Mourinho also confirmed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will start against the Ukrainian side as United are desperate for victory after losing to Feyenoord.

Daley Blind will continue at left-back in the absence of Shaw, who was sent home ill on Thursday morning.

“Luke Shaw is ill. Temperature, fever, bad throat. He arrived this morning and the doctor sent him home,” said Mourinho, who also ruled out Mkhitaryan, who has returned to training after a thigh injury.

Rooney had a back niggle and Mourinho said: “I was completely convinced of playing him tomorrow. I’m not sure if I do that because with the situation that you create to him I think he really can’t afford to have a performance that is not really good and I am here to protect him and have to analyse the best thing for him. If he is not totally ready for it, I will discuss that with the medical staff.”

Mourinho was described as ‘tetchy’ in the Manchester Evening News as he said: “No more questions about Rashford? Why Rashford is playing so well? No more questions so now you turn to Martial?”