Jose Mourinho admits he is anxious regarding the conditions his Manchester United side are set to play in this week.

The Red Devils meet crosstown rivals Manchester City at the Bird's Nest in Beijing on Monday as part of the 2016 International Champions Cup.

Weather in this particular region of China has been inclement of late which has negatively affected the playing surface at the stadium and prompted Mourinho to show concern about the welfare of his players in what is a match only used to boost the coffers of al parties involved.

"City versus United for me is Old Trafford or the Etihad or a Cup final at Wembley, not a friendly," said Mourinho.

"It was a friendly before we knew the conditions. After we know the conditions, it's maybe a double friendly. I just hope the players keep that balance and there are no problems - no injuries, play calm, play safe, go home, keep the preparation next week.

"The pitch is very bad. It's not the conditions to play a good game of football but we have to play.

"The conditions of my players are more important than results in pre-season. It's not a problem for me to lose matches in pre-season.

"So if you ask me my objective for the match, I only have one: take the players home safe without any kind of injury."