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Jose Mourinho explains why Zlatan Ibrahimovic did not start as Manchester United host Chelsea

Special One has moaned all week that his players are suffering from their busy schedule

Jose Mourinho and his Manchester United side will welcome Chelsea to Old Trafford on Sunday

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JOSE MOURINHO explained his reasoning for dropping Zlatan Ibrahimovic after Manchester United fans were bemused to see their leading forward on the bench.

But the Special One, who has already complained about the Red Devils' busy schedule, says the fixture list is taking it's toll on the big Swede.

 Zlatan Ibrahimovic was rested by Jose Mourinho
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic was rested by Jose MourinhoCredit: EPA

Mourinho said: "He's tired - very tired.

"I’ll try to protect him but let’s see the result. He's on the bench and ready to help."

Instead, Mourinho chose to start teenage forward Marcus Rashford and he repaid his boss' faith by handing United the lead after seven minutes.

The forward burst behind Chelsea's back three after the ball was slipped into him by Ander Herrera.

 Marcus Rashford instantly repaid Jose Mourinho's faith
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Marcus Rashford instantly repaid Jose Mourinho's faithCredit: Reuters
 Jose Mourinho baffled fans when he dropped Zlatan Ibrahimovic
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Jose Mourinho baffled fans when he dropped Zlatan IbrahimovicCredit: PA:Press Association

But ahead of the Chelsea match, Mourinho said: “They are much better prepared than us.

“The last time they played was last weekend.

“They have had time off to prepare.

“We don’t train. We just recover from matches. We analyse opponents, matches but the work on the pitch and the dynamics and intensity at this moment is impossible.”

 Jose Mourinho says his side don't train as they are too busy recovering
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Jose Mourinho says his side don't train as they are too busy recoveringCredit: Rex Features
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