Mourinho looking to solidify his lineup ahead of EPL opener

MUNICH, Germany - Jose Mourinho might not have his ideal side available when Manchester United opens its Premier League campaign on Friday.

United's preseason ended in defeat on Sunday when Javi Martinez's second-half header earned Bayern Munich a 1-0 victory at Allianz Arena.

Spain international Martinez nodded in from a corner in the 59th minute as the German champion overcame a lackluster effort by Mourinho's side, which faces Leicester City at home on Friday.

"In the week, we have to organize things in a way so we can be fresh for Friday because the Premier League starts.

"We will start playing for points, and it will be with the players we have," Mourinho told MUTV.

"There is no time to cry. Some players are not going to be here on Friday and we have to go with the best possible team and with a great mentality."

Mourinho still remains hopeful of strengthening his side in the transfer window before the Aug 9 deadline, with Brazil international midfielder Fred the club's top signing this summer.

"My CEO has known what I want for quite a long time," Mourinho told German TV ahead of Sunday's game.

"I know he tries to do the best for me, and I still have a few days to wait and see what is going to happen."

Marcus Rashford and Victor Lindelof returned for United on Sunday after their post-World Cup break, although the visitor lost defender Eric Bailly to injury following a collision with Serge Gnabry.

"Finally, such a difficult preseason is over. The players were, once more, brilliant," added Mourinho.

"They could not have done better than what they did."

Rashford wore the No 10 shirt, previously the Old Trafford property of the likes of Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

"He wanted it. He always wanted it," said Mourinho.

"Of course, he respected Rooney and then Zlatan wanted to have it. Of course, he was in the shadow, waiting for the opportunity and now the shirt is empty.

"It's something fantastic for the kid, let's give the shirt to him."

Agence France - Presse