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 claims he is not bothered by his reputation as a negative, defensive manager.
Don’t you believe him!
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.”
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.
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.