Jose wants Mour of the US after a triumphant tour
JOSE Mourinho is so happy with United’s ‘perfect’ US tour he wants to return next summer.
And the Reds boss insists the hectic pre-season schedule will help rather than hinder their preparation for the new season.
The Portuguese complained about United’s crowded fixture list at the end of last season as they paired domestic exertions with their run to Europa League glory.
Sunday’s penalty shoot-out win against Real Madrid was their fourth friendly in nine days and one of eight pre-season games.
Matches against the LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake and City in Houston preceded the Santa Clara encounter, with United now in Washington to take on Barcelona in tomorrow’s final match Stateside.
Friendlies in Norway and Ireland follow before the UEFA Super Cup in Macedonia on August 8, but Mourinho does not fear the schedule will have a negative impact.
He said: “We managed to organise the pre-season in a way where we were based in LA for 15 days, which is fantastic to be always in the same hotel, always in the same training ground.
“The flights were quiet, short flights to go to Real Salt Lake, Houston was not a problem, and now we are on our way back home.
“In terms of jet lag, DC is halfway home, so these next three days in DC is not a problem, it is just a good thing for us on our way back.
“And after that we have two more matches to play in Norway and Ireland, travelling in the same day, short flights, so I am really happy with our pre-season.
“And if (Juan) Mata and Ander (Herrera) are not a real problem in terms of injuries, I would say perfect pre-season for us.”
Mourinho was far from impressed by last summer’s tour to China. Poor organisation and facilities and the loss of the friendly against City in Beijing because of the playing surface at the Bird’s Nest Stadium caused irritation.
Mourinho has long preferred pre-season taking place in the USA, in particular Los Angeles, and will be pushing to come back across the Atlantic next year.
“It is the best,” the United boss said. “I will try everything with my club to be back because, with all the respect, Asia is beautiful, commercially it’s fantastic for the clubs, but the conditions to work are completely different.
“Here it is about the facilities, about the organisation and everything is perfect, so we are going to try to persuade the club and Relevent (ICC organisers) to bring us back again.”