Jose Mourinho focused on one of the biggest weeks of Manchester United career as he heads back up north ahead of Juventus and Man City trips
The Portuguese replicated Sir Alex Ferguson's technique that so often inspired the Red Devils to victory
JOSE MOURINHO took the train back up north this morning as he prepared for one of the biggest week's of his Manchester United career.
The Portuguese inspired his side to a late victory over Bournemouth on Saturday and now faces daunting trips to play Juventus and rampant neighbours City in the space of five days.
Fans will be hoping he can work his magic again after turning the Reds around on Saturday after a shocking first half performance.
Chris Smalling has revealed the 55-year-old used a technique that was frequently practised by United legend Sir Alex Ferguson to inspire the 2-1 comeback victory on the South Coast.
Sir Alex was known for blasting underperformers at close-quarters with his infamous hairdryer treatment.
According to Smalling, Mourinho used the technique on Saturday after Man United came in at half time lucky not to losing.
“The team deep down we knew it wasn't a very good first half for me personally and for every one of us, we had to stand tall and we stood up and made sure the second half is much better.
Man United went into the break level but the centre-half said it was the "worst" half of football his side have played this season.
The 28-year-old in particular was criticised for his first-half showing but said criticism is something he is used to now.
“To be able to be a club like this and last as long as I have you need to have that courage and belief in your ability because you won't have good days every week and the bad days are often highlighted when you're at a big club."
“I believe in myself and I keep working. You can't get away from it (criticism) but I'm not going to sit there and read all my comments and I think as players you need to have thick skin and know that more often than not you will have bad days.”
United face Juventus on Wednesday at 8pm in Turin, then travel to the Etihad to play City at 4.30pm.
They trail Group H leaders Juve by five points after three games and risk being eliminated if they can't start finding the net in Europe.
They drew at home to Valencia and travel to Spain for what could be a must win game in their final group match on December 12, after hosting Young Boys the week before.