Jose Mourinho has explained why he left Marcos Rojo out of Manchester United’s win over CSKA Moscow .

The Argentina defender has recently returned from a long-term injury and has played in United’s last three games.

But with the Manchester derby against Premier League title rivals City at Old Trafford this Sunday, Mourinho opted to wrap Rojo in cotton wool and play Danny Blind in defence instead.

“Marcos is really tired, he’s had seven months out,” said Mourinho , speaking to BT Sport.

Marcos Rojo has recently returned from a long-term injury absence (
Image:
David Price)
Jose Mourinho was keen to wrap Rojo up in cotton wool ahead of the Manchester derby (
Image:
Manchester United)

“We thought about not playing two consecutive matches, but it happened because no [Phil] Jones and no [Eric] Bailly and we had to play two consecutive matches in two games against Watford and Arsenal .

‘He really needs the rest. He’s not even an option.

"By the muscular point of view, he really needs the rest.
Romelu Lukaku was among the goals as United beat CSKA 2-1 at Old Trafford (
Image:
Matthew Peters)

“It’s decision to protect the player.”

United staged a two-goal comeback as strikes by Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford helped the Red Devils overcome CSKA 2-1 to reach the last 16 of the competition.

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