Manchester United parted ways with Jose Mourinho in December 2018 after less than three years at the club. Mourinho admits that the club still has players on their roster that he wanted to axe years ago because he felt they did not represent the best professional profile for a club of United’s stature. Despite some notable player movements during his tenure, Mourinho did not always get the final say in arrivals and exits at the club and believed that some players did not live up to the standards required to achieve past heights of success. The manager was sacked before he could lead United back to the top, and since then, the club has struggled under Erik ten Hag.
Mourinho claims that there are still players at Manchester United that he did not want at the club five or six years ago. He expressed that some of these players did not have the best professional profile and did not align with his vision for the team. Despite trying to make changes to the squad, including wanting to sell certain players and bring in new signings, Mourinho faced challenges in making these decisions. The Special One emphasized that time always tells the truth about the decisions made in football, and he believes that his efforts and intentions during his time at United were not fully recognized or appreciated.
In his final summer at United, Mourinho aimed to reinforce the squad with a centre-back but was unable to secure his desired signing. Despite facing obstacles in reshaping the squad according to his preferences, Mourinho led the team to Europa League success in his first season, winning three trophies. However, he acknowledges that some critics may overlook these achievements and focus on the challenges faced during his tenure. Mourinho also highlighted the impact of Paul Pogba’s World Cup success in 2018 on the player’s mentality, suggesting that the achievement shifted Pogba’s focus away from football and towards external factors.
In the aftermath of his departure from Manchester United, Mourinho reflected on the challenges he faced during his time at the club. He expressed frustration at not being able to make the changes he wanted to the squad and feeling that certain players did not have the right character to represent the club. Despite his disagreements with the club’s hierarchy over player decisions, Mourinho remains proud of his achievements, including winning three trophies in his first season. The Special One’s departure from United marked the end of a tumultuous period, and the club has since continued to grapple with issues both on and off the pitch under different managerial leadership.
The lack of discipline and mentality concerns at Manchester United have persisted, as current manager Erik ten Hag addresses the ongoing challenges faced by the team. Mourinho’s tenure at the club highlighted the issues of player retention and recruitment that have impacted United’s performance in recent years. As the team strives to return to its winning ways, the legacy of Mourinho’s time at Old Trafford serves as a reminder of the complexities and pressures that come with managing a storied club like Manchester United. Despite the setbacks and criticisms, Mourinho’s impact on the squad and the club’s trajectory continues to resonate as United navigates the challenges of rebuilding and regaining their status as a top footballing institution.
