JOSE MOURINHO hit out at his own medical staff after a team selection blunder in Seville.
Manchester United boss Mourinho had left Paul Pogba on the bench because he had been told Ander Herrera was fit to play after missing the last three games.
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Ander Herrera throws his boot down in disgust after suffering early injuryREUTERS
But Herrera limped off after 17 minutes of the Red Devils’ goalless draw with Sevilla in this last 16 first leg causing a quick switch around.
Mourinho said: “I think it is a bad injury. He had a small injury that stopped him playing in the last couple of matches, but the medical department made him 100 per cent ready for last Saturday.
“We didn’t play him to give more work and more protection, but it looks like he wasn’t fully fit.
“The medical department made him fully fit. He trained and he looked fit.
Ander Herrera receives treatment as he sits on ground following backheel attemptREUTERS
Jose Mourinho gives Paul Pogba instructions, having left him out of starting XIGetty Images
The way he was playing he showed that intensity that is only possible when you are fit.
“He was pressing really high, we were not giving one inch to them. Then the backheel created the contraction in the muscular area and now we have proof he was not 100 per cent fit.”
The pre-match talk had all been about Pogba being omitted again.
Jose Mourinho is fuming at Manchester United’s medical staffGetty
In five matches he has now been subbed twice, left out the starting line-up twice and omitted due to a mystery illness for last Saturday’s Cup win at Huddersfield.
Mourinho said that had created doubt in his mind about playing him last night.
He said: “Paul created some doubt by not playing last Saturday – by not playing by his own decision he was not feeling good and created some doubts .”
Mourinho was also irritated that Pogba had once again become the main issue on a night when Scott McTominay as well as Herrera was chosen ahead of his £89million record buy.
Ander Herrera shakes hands with Paul Pogba after coming off on 17 minutesAP:Associated Press
He said: “I understand your question but if I was one of you I would ask if the Manchester United manager agrees Scott McTominay had a fantastic performance and my answer would be yes.
“He looked a senior player, with tactical sense, good responsibility, good in possession, he looked like a man with dozens and dozens of matches in the Champions League but I also answer your question.
“I think Paul tried to make a big effort.
“Paul replaced Ander and he tried to bring the same kind of qualities to the game, with his security of the ball.
“He lost a couple of possessions but he gave us good responsibility in a match away from home against a good team like Sevilla.”
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