Manchester United could still achieve a “plastic treble” this season, as they have advanced deep in the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Europa League. Following their win over St. Etienne today, the Red Devils advanced to the Europa League round of 16.
The next Europa tie hasn’t been determined yet, but we do know that United will have to play one leg either directly ahead or behind the epic FA Cup quarterfinal clash with Chelsea on March 13th.
Mourinho went on to say that he will defend United’s FA Cup with pride, and not field a weak team despite the fixture congestion.
He then pointed out what Manuel Pellegrini did (playing a very weak team which lost to Chelsea 5-1 in the FA Cup) last season during the tournament as an example, and then ripped into last year’s Manchester City boss.
“I cannot play against Chelsea with the second team,” Mourinho said. “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 U-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.”
Mourinho also lashed out at the FA Cup schedulers for failing to wait until the Europa League draws were made.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times and Bold, contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication, CGTN America, WGN CLTV News and KOZN.
Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Sound Cloud and YouTube