Jose Mourinho digs out Man Utd players he didn't want 'six years ago' still at club now

Apr 22, 2024 14:45

Jose Mourinho has spoken about the current state of affairs at Man Utd (Image: Getty)

Jose Mourinho has taken a swipe at his former Manchester United players who still remain at the club more than five years after he left Old Trafford. The ‘Special One’ was sacked in December 2018 after failing to build on his maiden 2016/17 season in charge, which saw the Red Devils win both the League Cup and Europa League.

The 61-year-old’s time at the club was soured though by high-profile fallouts with players. He also regularly called out then chief executive Ed Woodward for failing to back him in the transfer market, despite Mourinho landing club record signing Paul Pogba for £89million during his tenure.

But the club’s failure to land Virgil van Dijk, who instead went to Liverpool, proved a critical failure. Instead, Victor Lindelof arrived for Benfica for £30million, while like the Swedish international, players like Anthony Martial, Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford remain at the club having been there at the end of the Mourinho reign.

And in an interview with the Telegraph, the Portuguese boss implied the fact certain players hadn’t been moved on was a factor in the club’s current struggles, and clearly believes United have rescinded further since his departure. “There are still a couple of players still there I didn’t want five or six years ago,” he said.

window.top.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',e=>{try{if(e.detail&&e.detail.playerApiId==="v114291"){if(window.document.getElementsByClassName('jwplayer')[0]){e.detail.float('disable')}}}catch(e){}});document.addEventListener("tcfLoaded",function(){let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=114291&playerApiId=v114291');document.getElementById('ovp-primis').appendChild(el)}) Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

There is plenty of scrutiny on Man Utd after yet another poor performance against Coventry (Image: Getty)

“I think they represent a little bit what I consider not the best professional profile to a club of a certain dimension. But I did my job there. Time always tells the truth. I would love Manchester United to succeed.”

Mourinho, who is currently out of work after leaving Roma earlier this season, also took aim at Woodward, and claimed Erik ten Hag has been able to benefit from a better structure than the one he endured in Manchester. “My relationship with Ed Woodward was good. Good as in the personal point of view.” he added.

“But from a professional point of view it was not the best. I am a football man. Ed comes from a different background and what Ten Hag has in his time at Manchester United I didn’t have. I didn’t have that level of support. I didn’t have that level of trust. So I left sad, because I felt I was in the beginning of the process.”

SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Don't miss...
Bruno Fernandes gives verdict on Ten Hag uncertainty as Man Utd consider axe [LATEST]
ITV face Man Utd vs Man City nightmare as 'Met Police step in' over FA Cup final [LATEST]
Nottingham Forest brutally mocked by Crystal Palace over PGMOL criticism [LATEST]

Mourinho did lead United to a second placed finish in his second season in charge, an achievement that at the time he labelled one of his best in football. Indeed, it's a position that fans would crave to be in right now, with their side seventh heading into Wednesday's game with Sheffield United.

The former Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid boss has been coy on a potential return to football, but has regularly insisted he has not retired. Some fans of the Blues have even called for him to be considered for a return to Stamfiord Bridge, amid discontent towards current boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Ads Links by Easy Branches
Play online games for free at games.easybranches.com
Guest Post Services www.easybranches.com/contribute

IFK chief confirms Liverpool watching Yalcouye: They're always here!

Stoke closing deal for Rotherham goalkeeper Viktor Johansson

De Zerbi pledges commitment to Brighton

Chelsea boss Pochettino insists finishing sixth nothing to celebrate

Our ⚡AMP sites

Jose Mourinho digs out Man Utd players he didn't want 'six years ago' still at club now