Mourinho Kicks Against International Friendlies

Manchester United’s manager, Jose Mourinho, has voiced his opinion against national teams getting involved in friendly matches.

He told skyports that he was “totally against” international friendlies after Chris Smalling and Phil Jones picked up injuries on England duty.

Jones was forced to leave Gareth Southgate’s squad with a toe injury suffered in training after a challenge by Smalling, who pulled out himself with a leg problem after starting England’s friendly defeat in Germany.

Both defenders missed England’s 2-0 World Cup qualification win over Lithuania, leading Mourinho to question the need for mid-season friendlies.

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