Luke Shaw and Juan Mata have sent Manchester United fans messages saying that the players share their disappointment over the match against Manchester City in Beijing being cancelled.
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The cancellation of the game is the latest blow in a farcical tour of China for United, with the Reds unlikely to return to the country for some time, given the many problems they have faced here.
Jose Mourinho has criticised pitch conditions amid chaotic scenes in Beijing ahead of Monday’s International Champions Cup clash against Manchester City.
Stadium officials had been battling to ensure that the field would be playable for the game, hoping to avoid the embarrassment of having to call off the highly-anticipated match.
The Chinese capital has been hit by storms in recent days and after another significant downpour overnight, the ICC and both clubs made a decision to call off the match because of worries about player safety.
The match in Beijing, part of the International Champions Cup, will be played in a half-empty Bird’s Nest Olympic Stadium as ticket sales are very poor. “It has been a pleasure and an honour to experience such a warm welcome from the people and supporters here in Beijing, and we remain committed to playing here in the future”.
Asked if he would shake Guardiola’s hand, former Chelsea boss Mourinho said: “To qualify the question I would use some impolite words”.
“It’s a big disappointment for us”.
Speaking about his plans, Mourinho insists he wants to train with his whole group for the Galatasaray, Everton and Leicester City games.
“Of course I will shake his hand”.
“We’re moving on now to Shenzhen to play against Borussia Dortmund now, so it’s not finished for us in China, but obviously it’s a big disappointment for us”.
“We are so sorry”. So we have to play and try to be lucky.
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“Hopefully we will see you all soon”. These are no conditions to play a good game of football.
