Mata out for City and Real clashes

JUAN Mata could miss United’s International Champions Cup games against City and Real Madrid with an ankle injury he picked up in the win against Real Salt Lake.

Half-time substitute Mata suffered a heavy challenge from substitute Sebastian Saucedo and was forced off just 15 minutes into the second period.

Mata’s absence for the City and Madrid fixtures could increase the need for United to clinch a deal for Internazionale winger Ivan Perisic, who Mourinho was reluctant to speak about after the victory in Utah.

“Mata has a big ankle but I hope nothing important,” Mourinho said. “A few days, a week probably.” United fly to Houston today ahead of their derby with City the following day before they face Real Madrid in Santa Clara and Barcelona in Washington.

Mourinho plans to give his players more playing time during the fixtures against the European sides.

“I will try to go for 60 minutes and 30 minutes,” Mourinho added. “And some players can play 60 minutes against City and play 30 against Real Madrid. I try to give minutes to everyone. The work we do in training, to go to matches, to try to do the things we do in training. It’s important for everybody to compete.

“The level of City, Real Madrid and Barcelona is higher – Champions League level. I know City is our rival, Real Madrid European champion, but it’s not so important for us to play for a result.”