Alexis Sanchez was not in Manchester United’s squad to face Chelsea (Picture: Getty) Jose Mourinho has revealed he named Alexis Sanchez on Manchester United’s bench to face Chelsea because he had no idea about the Chilean’s condition after the international break. The 30-year-old played 90 minutes in Chile’s 1-0 win against Mexico in midweek and couldn’t join up with his team-mates as they headed to London from the north-west on Friday afternoon. Instead, Sanchez joined up with the United squad in the capital, meaning he hasn’t trained with the club all week. There was speculation that Sanchez would be dropped altogether but Mourinho’s revealed why he has named him on the bench. Sanchez hasn’t started for United since the 0-0 draw against Valencia (Picture: Getty) Speaking about his team selection, Mourinho said: ‘It’s not a specific plan. It’s about the players we have available. ‘We lost a lot of players in the national team. Especially in Fellaini’s case where he was injured since Thursday last week and we only realised on Wednesday so it wasn’t an easy week. ‘Alexis came directly to London from Mexico. We didn’t even know his condition but that’s how it is and we have to adapt.’ With Sanchez on the bench, Mourinho’s opted for an attack-minded 4-2-3-1 formation with Juan Mata supporting Romelu Lukaku, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford in attack. Paul Pogba is playing in a midfield two alongside Nemanja Matic, who passed a late fitness test after missing Serbia’s international fixtures with a back problem. MORE : Alexandre Lacazette reveals what he and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang do in training but never in matches<doc-sep>When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Manchester United return to Premier League action with a showdown against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge – and there could be big problems ahead for the Red Devils. Jose Mourinho will head back to his former home with a depleted squad that could be missing up to eight of his regular players. The Portuguese boss will be desperate to record a victory over Chelsea to calm the storm that has swirled around his future in recent weeks. Former Chelsea star Nemanja Matic is set to miss his return to the Bridge, while Scott McTominay, Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini are doubts.<doc-sep>The Chilean is not happy with his reduced role in recent weeks (Picture: Getty) Alexis Sanchez is unhappy with his diminishing role at Manchester United and is disappointed that Jose Mourinho is still using such negative tactics, according to reports. The Chilean was only on the bench in the Red Devils’ last match – though was brought on and scored the winning goal –while he has been subbed off in three of his four Premier League starts. He was omitted from the matchday squad entirely for the defeat to West Ham, and is believed to have expressed concerns about being deployed on the right wing against Valencia in the Champions League. Sanchez only has one goal this season and Mourinho is losing patience (Picture: Getty) And now The Times report that Sanchez is frustrated with life under Mourinho, particularly with regard to his lack of game time and the negative tactical approach from his manager. He also finds it odd that Mourinho gives him more praise for simply tracking back rather than when he tries something creative. Sanchez’s agent, Fernando Felicevich, is aware of Sanchez’s concerns and has already begun plotting a potential exit. His mood could be made worse on Saturday, when United travel to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea – who are unbeaten this season under new boss Maurizio Sarri. Rashford is in form, having netted against Spain, and could force his way into Mourinho’s plans for facing Chelsea (Picture: Getty) Despite Sanchez’s drought-ending goal against Newcastle, Marcus Rashford could get the nod ahead of the Chilean against Chelsea following his impressive performances for England. Sanchez was in Queretaro this week for Chile’s clash with Mexico, returning to Carrington later than much of the squad, though did play through the middle – a role Mourinho is considering using him in for United.<doc-sep>When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Manchester United star Sanchez has endured a nightmare start to his Old Trafford career since joining from Arsenal in January. The Chile international, who is expected to be benched for today’s match with Chelsea, has managed just four goals for the club so far. Manchester United thought they were getting a proven goalscorer in Sanchez but, 10 months on from his arrival, he is yet to spark into life. Last night, Sky Sports pundit Sidwell theorised his struggle was down to living away from London.<doc-sep>
Jose Mourinho offered an explanation as to why Manchester United superstar Alexis Sanchez started today’s mammoth Premier League clash with Chelsea on the bench. According to a report from The Sun, Alexis Sanchez returned from international duty with Chile by travelling directly to London leaving Manchester United unable to assess the star’s condition heading into today’s game. See More: What Jose Mourinho said about Chelsea coach Marco Ianni after heated clash in Man Utd draw Sanchez played the full 90 minutes for Chile when they faced Mexico earlier this week and decided to fly directly to London, meaning that he missed training with the United team. Mourinho told SkySports in the pre-match build-up: “Alexis came directly from Mexico to London, he didn’t even go to Manchester, we didn’t even know his condition.” “But that is the way it is, that is international football.” Sanchez joined United in the January transfer window from Arsenal and has so far failed to live up to fans’ high expectations. Sanchez has only started 4 games for the Red Devils this season, scoring only one goal. It seems that the 29-year-0ld’s ability may be starting to decline and with Anthony Martial in fine form against Chelsea earlier, the Chilean’s future at Old Trafford could come under question soon. Mourinho also appeared to aim a subtle dug towards Sanches when praising Juan Mata’s professionalism: “Mata is Mata, he’s one of our team players, he’s always available for the team, thinks about the team, he’s not selfish or egocentric. “Sometimes he starts, sometimes from the bench. He’s a proper professional.” It seems like Sanchez needs to change his attitude very soon or his time at United will stand out as a ‘flop’ when he looks back on his otherwise successful career.