Jose Mourinho

Alexis joins Jose's squad in America

Friday 20 July 2018 17:46

Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez could be available for the match against San Jose Earthquakes after flying to Los Angeles.

The Chile international is set to beef up the Reds’ attacking options as his fitness is likely to be of a level good enough to ensure a place in the side, due to his work back at the Aon Training Complex.

”It’s about when Alexis lands and, when he lands, he has to play,” said Jose Mourinho. “Because he trained with us for five days before we departed to LA and we left one fitness coach behind with him. Of course, it is individual training but, when he arrives, he has to play. If he is coming, he has to play.”

Our pic of Alexis Sanchez on his flight to Los Angeles.

Alexis will compete for a place in the three-pronged forward line after Anthony Martial was flanked by Juan Mata and Demi Mitchell in the 1-1 draw with Club America. Tahith Chong, Mason Greenwood and Angel Gomes came off the bench to provide youthful zest in attacking positions and there is the prospect of more squad members getting some minutes at the Levi’s Stadium.

A number of youngsters on the trip for experience, including Ro-Shaun Williams, James Garner, Ethan Hamilton and Joshua Bohui, will be hoping for a taste of senior action as the boss decides which line-up to field in the second of two friendlies before the International Champions Cup kicks off.

Lee Grant started in goal against Club America and, like his second-half replacement Joel Pereira, the new signing performed well behind an experienced back four of Antonio Valencia, Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly and Luke Shaw. David De Gea, Fred and Nemanja Matic are not expected to join the group until next week.

Argentina keeper Sergio Romero and Portuguese right-back Diogo Dalot were forced to sit out the tour opener. Dalot will not feature at all in the tour matches as he is unlikely to be available until September.

Sergio Romero was forced to sit out the opening game of the tour.
The San Jose clash kicks off at 14:00 local time on Sunday (22:00 BST) and is being shown exclusively live on MUTV, before the ICC begins for United with a game against AC Milan on Wednesday night.
Watch Jose's press conference Video

Watch Jose's press conference

Catch up with everything the boss told journalists after the draw with Club America.