Mourinho advising Marcos Rojo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic 'to play quietly' in training to avoid injuries

Jose Mourinho has instructed Marcos Rojo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to go easy in training to avoid the risk of injury, Rojo revealed ahead of Manchester United's game against Watford on Tuesday (28 November).

Rojo and Ibrahimovic returned to the match day squad after seven months on the side lines against Newcastle United on 18 November. It was a much earlier than expected return for both players, who suffered severe knee injuries during the Red Devils' win over Anderlecht in the Europa League last season.

The duo were not expected to return until at least December, but they have already made a combined four appearances in the Premier League and Champions League. They are likely to be involved again when United take on Marco Silva's Hornets at Vicarage Road on Tuesday night.

Rojo struggled for game time under Louis van Gaal, but Mourinho's arrival has seen the defender get a new lease of life in Old Trafford. He played a key role in their triumphant run in the Europa League last season having formed a strong partnership with Eric Bailly at the heart of United's defence.

The Argentina international has credited Mourinho's approach for his improved form and he will be hoping that he can break back into the starting XI at the earliest.

"He's always happy, close to the players, he's a very happy person, he helped me a lot, he got the best out of me," Rojo said, as quoted by the Mirror.

"He always tells us to play quietly in practice because with Ibra we kill each other with kicks," the Argentine defender added, referring to the training sessions with the Swedish forward.

Rojo, meanwhile, reserved special praise for Ibrahimovic, who also made a remarkable comeback from a similar injury. The Argentine believes Ibrahimovic should go to the World Cup next year after Sweden booked their place after beating European powerhouse and four-time winners Italy.

"He's an amazing character, but for those who don't know him, he seems like a bighead but he's a phenomenon, he's a beast who goes forward and wants to win everything," Rojo pointed out.

"I asked Ibra that now that they are in the World Cup if he would like to go, he says no but I don't know... for me he has to go."