Chelsea’s FA Cup tie with Manchester United scheduled, Jose Mourinho not happy

Chelsea will face Manchester United in the FA Cup quarterfinals on the evening of 13 March. Jose Mourinho is quite displeased about getting the latest billing.

Chelsea and Manchester United pulled the last time slot in the FA Cup quarterfinals. Jose Mourinho will return to Stamford Bridge for a Monday evening tie. Afterwards, Chelsea have five days before travelling to Stoke City.

Manchester United, on the hand, have a much more difficult schedule. Three days after the FA Cup tie, United will be back in action in the Europa League round of 16. United will learn who – and, more critically, where – they will be playing after the Europa League draw on Friday.

Jose Mourinho pointed out that playing at Old Trafford a mere 72 hours after playing Chelsea would be enough of a challenge. However, United could just as easily be playing in Russia, Greece or Turkey on such short turn-around time.

"I feel really surprised that the decision was made before our draw in Europe because at this moment nobody knows where we play, or where the first and second matches are… I think once more the interests are going in front of the clubs and English football’s interests, and nobody cares about it. – Daily Mail"

Mourinho has a valid criticism of the Football Association and their broadcast partners. Each of the four FA Cup quarterfinal matches includes a team currently in the Champions League or Europa League. The Champions League Round of 16 second leg will be midweek on either side of the FA Cup weekend.

Arsenal play Bayern Munich four days before their tie against Lincoln City, with both games at home. Manchester City play in Monaco four days after their FA Cup match.

Mourinho rightly points out that the FA’s poor handling of the schedule only hurts themselves. A manager in his position can field a full-force squad in the FA Cup, and risk elimination in Europe. Or he could field a weakened team domestically, and further erode the standing of the FA Cup. Either way, English football loses.

"I cannot play against Chelsea with the second team, I cannot play Chelsea with the Under-21s like Manchester City did last year. I cannot do that. We are Manchester United."

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Because the FA knew the Arsenal’s and City’s Champions League commitments, Mourinho is not being overly Jose by in calling out the situation. The FA could have waited until Friday to finalize the schedule to account for European commitments, particularly the logistics. If not for United, for the integrity of the competition.