Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho said yesterday’s draw for the last 16 of the Europa League against Russian side, Rostov, has been unkind to his team, the favourites.

“It is a bad draw in every aspect. Far and difficult. Comes in a bad period,” Mourinho, whose side are still competing on four fronts, told reporters.

“They had a very good Champions League campaign. They beat Ajax and Anderlecht in qualifiers and managed important results against Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid.

“I know the coach well. The team are very defensive and physical. It’s a bad draw.” Rostov, which is north east of Moscow, beat Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in the Champions League group phase and suffered two narrow defeats by Atletico Madrid.

United play in the English League Cup final tomorrow, are still in the FA Cup and chasing a top-four finish in the Premier League. They will play the second Champions League leg at home.