Jose Mourinho, the former manager of Manchester United, has recently voiced his criticism of certain members from his previous squad, whom he felt did not meet the professional standards expected at such an illustrious club. Mourinho, who parted ways with Manchester United in December 2018 after a disappointing start to the season, discussed these issues during an interview with The Telegraph.
In this candid conversation, Mourinho did not shy away from expressing his frustrations. He pointed out that several players, who are still part of the team today, were already a source of concern for him years ago. His strained relationship with then-CEO Ed Woodward only added to the difficulties, as he felt that these players did not embody the professional attributes required for a club of Manchester United’s magnitude. “I think they represent a little bit what I consider not the best professional profile for a club of a certain dimension,” Mourinho remarked, reflecting on the challenges he faced and the decisions that were made during his tenure. Despite his criticisms, he emphasized that he holds no grudge against the club and sincerely wishes for Manchester United’s success.
Notably, Mourinho chose not to name the specific individuals he criticized. However, it is significant that players from his final season at Old Trafford, such as Victor Lindelof, Anthony Martial, Scott McTominay, Diogo Dalot, and Marcus Rashford, continue to play under the current manager, Erik ten Hag. Mourinho’s tenure at Manchester United was marked by notable achievements, including winning the Europa League and the EFL Cup during the 2016-17 season. Nevertheless, since his departure, the club has struggled to maintain consistent success, a problem that persists under Ten Hag’s leadership, especially in the challenging 2023-24 season.
Reflecting on his own experiences compared to the current scenario under Ten Hag, Mourinho highlighted a significant difference in the support and trust from the club’s leadership. He observed that Ten Hag has been able to secure high-profile signings such as Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund, and Mason Mount, a level of backing that Mourinho implied was not as readily available during his own time managing the team.
Despite achieving some successes, like winning the Carabao Cup and securing a third-place finish in the Premier League last season, Manchester United’s performance this season has been underwhelming, casting doubt on Ten Hag’s future at the club. With an FA Cup final against Manchester City looming, the pressure on Ten Hag is intensifying. Reports, including remarks from football pundit Alan Shearer, suggest that even a victory might not guarantee Ten Hag’s job security, as new minority co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his company INEOS might have already decided on changes in the managerial role.
In summary, Mourinho’s reflections provide valuable insight into the internal dynamics and challenges at Manchester United during his time there. His comments also offer a perspective on the ongoing struggles under the current leadership as the club continues to strive for a return to its former glory.