Mourinho’s United misery compounded with key midfielder out for early season games

Jose Mourinho has revealed Nemanja Matic will miss the start of the season after undergoing surgery for an injury sustained at the 2018 World Cup.

United have endured a miserable pre-season and Mourinho has cut a particularly frustrated figure during their tour of the United States, lamenting the club’s activity in the transfer window.

Mourinho is already set to be without a string of key players for United’s opening game of the season against Leicester in less than a fortnight’s time and injuries are starting to deplete his squad further.

The Red Devils have already lost Antonio Valencia to injury during their pre-season tour and Mourinho is now unsure when Matic will return to full fitness.

“Matic arrived from the World Cup, holiday, direct to surgery because something happned in the World Cup,” Mourinho told the club's official website.

“He has had surgery. He is out for the start of the season. He came from the World Cup with an injury and the time he had to rest on holiday was not enough to resolve the problem. I don't know how long he will be out for."

United look set to be without 11 first-team players for their opening game of the season and with no new signings imminent, Mourinho is set for further pre-season frustration.

Matic, who signed for United from Chelsea 12 months ago, enjoyed a successful first campaign at the club and his presence in midfield will be missed.

The 29-year-old completed more interceptions and tackles combined than any other United player in the Premier League last season (134).