Jose Mourinho admits he let Antonio Valencia get red card: Juan Mata injury sparked clash

JOSE MOURINHO admitted he let Antonio Valencia get sent off during Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Salt Lake.

Lukaku scores first Man United goal during pre-season friendly

Romelu Lukaku scored his first goal for Manchester United and Henrikh Mkhitaryan also found the net for a second successive win on their pre-season tour of the USA.

But the victory was soured by a straight red card shown to Valencia in the second half  at the Rio Tinto Stadium.

Valencia got himself in hot water after crashing through the back of Sebastian Saucedo, leaving the Salt Lake midfielder on crutches afterwards.

Referee Allen Chapman spoke with Mourinho on the sidelines, askinng him if he would like to substitute Valencia and avoid him getting sent off.

But Mourinho refused and the Ecuador star, captaining United in the second half, was given his marching orders.

Antonio Valencia Manchester UnitedGETTY

Antonio Valencia was given a straight red card duringManchester United's win over Real Salt Lake

The tackle looked to be a revenge attack on Saucedo, who earlier in the half had dragged his studs down the back of Juan Mata's ankle, forcing the Spaniard to limp off.

Jose Mourinho said: "I think the delay was because the referee asked me to change the player and I didn't.

"It was because I don't agree with the (red) card because I think their player was really aggressive in the second half. That's what happens.

"Some other actions were a bit dangerous. It's young people with enthusiasm playing against Manchester United.

"But it's a friendly match and it's a different mentality. But it's pre-season so no problem. It is good experience or us to play with one player less."

Salt Lake boss Mike Petke even offered United the chance to put an extra man on following Valencia's dismissal to make it 11 versus 11, but Mourinho refused.

Jose Mourinho Manchester UnitedGETTY

Jose Mourinho was not happy at the decision for Antonio Valencia to be sent off

Juan Mata Manchester UnitedGETTY

Juan Mata came off injured during the friendly win

Mata and Matteo Darmian could be injury problems for Mourinho, with the right-back also coming off during the friendly win.

But Mourinho was delighted with £75million man Lukaku's performance and the fact he scored his first goal since joining them from Everton.

He added: "Before he scored the goal I told him 'I love everything you do on the pitch and don't be worried about scoring or not scoring'.

"He gets behind people, works and pressers well. I like everything he does.

"It's easy to feel it because he was my player four years ago (at Chelsea) and his evolution has been great. He's now a top striker. The goal is just a detail, it's not important."

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?