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GIMME MOUR LOVE

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho claims he doesn’t get the credit he deserves for team’s expansive style of play because of his time at Chelsea

Mourinho believes United's football would be described as 'art' if someone else was in charge

Jose Mourinho will go back to his former club Chelsea with Manchester United

JOSE MOURINHO claims he is not bothered by his reputation as a negative, defensive manager.

Don’t you believe him!

 Mourinho appears frustrated with his reputation for defensive football
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Mourinho appears frustrated with his reputation for defensive footballCredit: Reuters

Eight months into his reign at Manchester United it is becoming increasingly clear Mourinho is desperate to be loved and be seen as an entertainer.

It is obviously too late for United to challenge for the title. Yet the Portuguese’s team is slowly transforming to one which has a strong identity and is decent to watch.

And that is why Mourinho is getting frustrated. Antonio Conte, Mauricio Pochettino and Jurgen Klopp get credit for developing exciting, attacking teams — even if their sides contain a few flaws.

But not Mourinho or United.

After a thoroughly impressive win over Watford, the Old Trafford chief said: “I think it was the kind of football that if, instead of being Mourinho’s team, if it is somebody else's team, you would say ‘art’. But because it is my team you just say is very good, but that’s fine. It was very good.”

Jurgen Klopp hopes to reunite with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at Liverpool
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The Special One suggests a manager like Jurgen Klopp would receive more credit for producing a similar brand of football to his United teamCredit: PA:Press Association
 Mourinho lifts the 2015 Premier League title with Chelsea
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Mourinho lifts the 2015 Premier League title with ChelseaCredit: PA:Press Association
 Juan Mata was frozen out under the Portuguese boss at Stamford Bridge
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Juan Mata was frozen out under the Portuguese boss at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty Images

Mourinho was then asked if he should have had more credit for some of his previous teams — particularly Chelsea’s title- winning side in 2015.

He added: “That was the past and is not a problem for me as I have the trophies at home.

“It is more important to have the trophies rather than the praise.

“What I think you are forgetting this season is this is the most defensive Premier League I have ever known. It is not because of my team.”

More goals like Juan Mata’s 32nd-minute opener would help Mourinho’s cause. The Spaniard started the move with a flick, Anthony Martial crossed, Zlatan Ibrahimovic dummied and Mata swept the ball past keeper Heurelho Gomes.

Martial’s second goal on the hour was also excellent with Ander Herrera and Ibrahomivic combining well.

 But the Spaniard has been Mourinho's go-to guy at Old Trafford
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But the Spaniard has been Mourinho's go-to guy at Old TraffordCredit: PA:Press Association
 Anthony Martial also fought his way back into the fold with a goal against Watford
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Anthony Martial also fought his way back into the fold with a goal against WatfordCredit: Reuters

Mourinho added: “When I came here people thought Mata was in trouble but I knew he wouldn’t be in trouble.

“One thing was the football I wanted my Chelsea to play and the other thing was the football I wanted my Manchester United to play.

“Mata has adapted to the football I want to play. I knew since the beginning he would be an important player and I think he feels that confidence in me.

“So he is happy and you can see it in the way he plays.”

United face a three-week wait for their next Premier League game — against Bournemouth on March 4.

They have two legs of their Europa League tie against St Etienne, Sunday’s FA Cup fifth-round trip to Blackburn and the EFL Cup final against Southampton on February 26.

Mourinho said: “We know Southampton are probably going to have some days off.

“I don’t know if they are going to some nice, beautiful place with nice weather to prepare for the final.

“The only thing I know is their next game is the final and we have to play three matches during this period.

“We have to train in this cold weather on bad pitches.

“So our situation is not easy. But we have to enjoy it. Because it is good to play important matches.”

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