Man United boss Jose Mourinho: Why I made four changes against Bournemouth

JOSE MOURINHO insists he made changes to his Manchester United team today for their clash against Bournemouth to keep his players fresh.

Jose Mourinho: Luke Shaw must wait his turn

The Portuguese boss made four changes from their EFL Cup win over Southampton for the visit of Bournemouth as Phil Jones, Michael Carrick, Luke Shaw and Wayne Rooney were all handed starts.

Manchester United take on FC Rostov in the Europa League last-16 on Thursday night before facing Chelsea in the quarter-final of the FA Cup on Monday March 13.

And Mourinho is well aware of the importance of rotating his squad to ensure they have the best chance of competing in all three competitions.

FOLLOW MANCHESTER UNITED V BOURNEMOUTH HERE

Jose MourinhoGETTY

Jose Mourinho made four changes to the starting XI for today's match

I thought it was the reality of playing three competitions, lots of matches, playing against fresh opponents with time to rest and prepare

Jose Mourinho

“I spoke with the players after the final,” Mourinho told Sky Sports.

“I thought it was the reality of playing three competitions, lots of matches, playing against fresh opponents with time to rest and prepare.

“Now more than ever we need the squad so it is time for rotation, time for players who are not playing so much to be ready to step up and give us that possibility.

Luke ShawGETTY

Luke Shaw was handed a rare start for Manchester United against Bournemouth

“It is not the game of Shaw’s life, but an opportunity to play, an opportunity for us to rotate some players and be fresh for Rostov.

“We felt vs Southampton the difference of a fresh team and a team with lots of matches. We are going to feel that every match now.”

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