Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has explained why Alexis Sanchez was not included in his squad to face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League.

The Red Devils coach revealed that the Chilean striker skipped the visit to the south coast because he took a knock in training.

Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford were named up front for United, as Romelu Lukaku is also sidelined through injury.

"We want to win and we think that this is the best team," The Mirror quotes Mourinho as saying.

"Of course, Alexis and [Romelu] Lukaku are injured. So they were not an option.

"But we believe in these players and they deserve a chance. Many are fresher than the others and to play against a team which is strong at home is probably the best thing."

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