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Jose Mourinho

SALT LAKE CITY. — Jose Mourinho admitted he let Antonio Valencia get sent off during Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Salt Lake on Monday.

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, asking 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.

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. — The Daily Express.