Manchester United team news: Jose Mourinho at odds with MUTV over injuries as defensive crisis continues

Mourinho refused to give an injury update to the club’s in-house TV channel as he claimed it would give Arsenal an advantage ahead of their Premier League clash on Wednesday

Jose Mourinho has refused to give a detailed update on his squad to Manchester United’s in-house television channel ahead of Wednesday’s meeting with Arsenal.

Mourinho is facing a selection dilemma in defence with several first-choice players out of contention.

Ashley Young is suspended, while Victor Lindelof, Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly all missed Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Southampton through injury.

Luke Shaw was substituted at St Mary’s after picking up a knock, while Phil Jones and striker Romelu Lukaku also sustained injuries during the match.

While speaking to MUTV, Mourinho admitted that United were “in difficulties” but refused to go into more detail in fear of giving Arsenal a competitive advantage.

“I don’t want to update you, I would like Arsenal TV to make the same questions but they don’t, they hide everything from the inside, so why should I answer to you,” he said.

“We are going to be in difficulty again to build the team. We are again going to have to make adaptations and compensations to try to give some balance to the team.

“But then I believe we are again going to have the spirit to fight and to try to win the match.”

Lindelof is likely to be out until Christmas with a groin injury sustained in the goalless draw with Crystal Palace last month.

Jose Mourinho refused to give an injury update to MUTV (AFP/Getty)

Smalling missed the draw at Southampton with a foot problem, while Bailly is sidelined with a back injury.