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Tag: Man Utd

  • Five games without a win would not be good enough – Mourinho

    Five games without a win would not be good enough – Mourinho

    Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has admitted it would not be good enough for his side to go five matches without a win.

    The Portuguese is under pressure after United’s worst start to a league campaign for 29 years.
    His side have not won at Old Trafford since the opening day of the season.
    “We can do much better. To do that we need points – points we lost in the last two matches,” Mourinho said before Saturday’s home game against Newcastle.
    Tuesday’s goalless home draw against Valencia in the Champions League followed defeat at West Ham, a Carabao Cup exit on penalties to Championship side Derby and a draw with Wolves.
    Asked at a news conference on Friday if another match without a victory would not be good enough for a club of United’s size, Mourinho replied: “Yes, I accept.”
    The 55-year-old, who was involved in an apparent training-ground dispute with midfielder Paul Pogba last week, said there were “many reasons” for the winless run, but declined to explain what they were.
    He did not answer when asked if he could assure fans he was doing everything possible to turn the team’s form around.
    Paul Scholes has followed former Manchester United team-mate Ryan Giggs in saying United should stick with Mourinho, although the ex-England midfielder told BBC Radio 5 live he is “sick of him moaning”.
    United are looking to avoid going five games without a victory for only the second time since 1999.
    The Derby result – which Mourinho does not classify as a defeat – followed a 1-1 draw with Wolves at Old Trafford, while United lost 3-0 at home to Tottenham earlier in the season.
    “Only one defeat at home all season, only one defeat in the past seven matches,” he said.
    “But no victories at home in the past three matches – three draws. Not the feeling of the defeat, but not the happiness of the victory.
    “So, yes, it is important for us to try and win this match on Saturday.”
    United are 10th in the Premier League, with 10 points from seven games, but take on a Newcastle side seeking their first win of the season.
    BBC

  • Champions League: Man Utd, Valencia charged over delayed kick-off

    Champions League: Man Utd, Valencia charged over delayed kick-off

    Manchester United have been charged by Uefa over their late arrival for Tuesday’s Champions League draw with Valencia, which delayed kick-off by five minutes.

    The team coach was delayed in traffic on its way to Old Trafford from the Lowry Hotel in Manchester city centre.
    United manager Jose Mourinho said they were refused a police escort.
    But Greater Manchester Police said it has stopped providing escorts unless there is a risk to players.
    It added that clubs had been consulted “over a period of months” to allow “adequate time to plan ahead for their journeys to the stadium”.
    United drew the game 0-0 and their Spanish opponents have also been charged for the late kick-off. It is understood both teams were late leaving the changing room, even after the new kick-off time of 20:05 BST had been agreed.
    Valencia have also been charged for a kit infringement because their substitutes wore neck warmers with the manufacturers’ logo visible.

  • Man Utd's captain apologises for liking 'time for Mourinho to go' Instagram post

    Man Utd's captain apologises for liking 'time for Mourinho to go' Instagram post

    Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia has apologised for liking an Instagram post which called for manager Jose Mourinho to be sacked.

    The 33-year-old, who reports said had fallen out with Mourinho, returned to the team for Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Valencia in the Champions League.
    After the game, he liked a picture of himself which had the caption: “It’s time for Mourinho to go.”
    The Ecuadorian later wrote he liked the post “without reading the text”.
    “These are not my views and I apologise for this,” the full-back said on Twitter. “I am fully supportive of the manager and my team-mates. We are all giving our everything to improve the results.”
    Valencia, who joined United from Wigan in 2009, had missed United’s previous two games – their Carabao Cup exit to Derby, and 3-1 defeat by West Ham in the Premier League.
    Following their fourth successive game without a win, midfielder Paul Pogba told reporters in the post-match mixed zone interview area that he had “been told I’m not allowed” to talk.
    A clip of Pogba and Mourinho having a tense exchange on the training ground emerged last week, and the Portuguese has told the 25-year-old France international he will not captain the team again.
    Mourinho has also said “some [players] care more than others” at United and that “no player is bigger than the club”.
    They are 10th in the league after their worst start to a season in 29 years.
    Midfielder Marouane Fellaini, however, insisted the whole dressing room was behind the manager.
    “Everyone is going in the same direction to try to improve and to do better,” he added.

    BBC

  • I’ll be one of the greatest in world even if Man Utd don’t win title – Mourinho

    Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho says he will be “one of the greatest managers in the world” even if he does not win the Premier League at the club.

    United have lost two of their first three league games, their worst start to a season since 1992-93.

    Defending his record, the 55-year-old quoted a German philosopher and said he was “the only manager to win in Italy, Spain and England”.

    He also said second place last season was “one of his greatest achievements”.

    “I am the manager of the one of the greatest clubs in the world but I’m also one of the greatest managers in the world,” said Mourinho.

    Asked if he would still be a great manager if he did not win the title with United – who have won the English top flight 20 times, including 13 Premier Leagues – the Portuguese replied: “Of course.

    “Did you never spend time reading the philosopher Hegel? He said: ‘The truth is in the whole. It’s always in the whole that you find the truth.’

    “Do you ask the same question to the manager that finished third in Premier League last season or the manager that finished fourth or fifth?”

    Mourinho’s latest comments come after a news conference during which he demanded “respect” from journalists following Monday’s 3-0 home loss to Tottenham – the heaviest home defeat of his career.

    He pointed out that the three Premier League titles he had won previously with Chelsea were more than the rest of the division’s managers combined.

    Before his team’s trip to Burnley on Sunday “I had great success last season and that’s probably what you don’t want to admit.

    “Two seasons ago we had a fantastic season because we won the Europa League. We won it because it was our level. We are the last team in England to win a European competition.

    “I have won eight titles. I’m the only manager to win in Italy, Spain and England.

    “Not small titles, proper titles, and my second place last season was one of my greatest achievements in football.”

    BBC

  • Man Utd defender Luke Shaw recalled to England squad

    Man Utd defender Luke Shaw recalled to England squad

    Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has been included in Gareth Southgate’s 23-man England squad for September’s fixtures against Spain and Switzerland.

    Shaw, 23, last played for England in March 2017, as a second-half substitute in a 1-0 friendly defeat by Germany.

    Liverpool pair Joe Gomez and Adam Lallana, and Burnley’s James Tarkowski are also included in Southgate’s first post-World Cup squad.

    “Luke has always been a player we have liked,” said Southgate.

    Shaw endured a tough 2017-18 season, facing public criticism from United manager Jose Mourinho, who questioned his approach to training and commitment to the club.

    But the former Southampton player, who has seven international caps, has enjoyed a strong start to the new Premier League season, scoring his first senior goal against Leicester City this month.

    “He’s had a difficult period in terms of adapting to a new club and a horrendous injury that he had to overcome,” Southgate added.

    “I’m really impressed with his physical condition. He’s shown an extra edge to his game in the last couple of games. He’s shown aggression and a desire not to lose, and is looking back to his powerful best.”

    England open their Uefa Nations League campaign against Spain at Wembley on 8 September, before facing Switzerland three days later in Leicester for a Kick It Out international friendly.

    Shaw’s United team-mate Ashley Young, who helped England reach the World Cup semi-finals, has been left out of the squad, as has Phil Jones, who is injured.

    “I want us to try and capture what we had this summer,” said Southgate.

    “Once we’re through this camp, there’s going to be competition from others. People are going to have to play at a good level to retain their places.”

    England squad

    Goalkeepers: Jack Butland (Stoke), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Alex McCarthy (Southampton)

    Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Fabian Delph (Manchester City), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Harry Maguire (Leicester City) Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), James Tarkowski (Burnley), Kieran Trippier (Tottenham Hotspur), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

    Midfielders: Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), Jesse Lingard (Manchester United), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea)

    Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Danny Welbeck (Arsenal)

    BBC

  • Mourinho still has Man Utd backing despite home defeat

    Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho still has the club’s backing despite Monday’s 3-0 home defeat by Tottenham.

    United have lost two of their first three Premier League games for the first time since 1992-93.

    However, senior figures at Old Trafford are convinced Mourinho can turn the situation around.

    Mourinho, 55, remained on the pitch to applaud fans after the game at Old Trafford and praised them in TV interviews.

    Asked about United’s defensive problems in the post-match news conference, he raised three fingers and said: “Do you know what this means? Yes, it means 3-0, but it also means three Premier Leagues – and I won more Premier Leagues alone than the other 19 managers put together. Three for me. Two for them.”

    As he got up to leave, Mourinho told a journalist: “Respect! Respect! Respect man!”

    The Portuguese last week said had “no problem” with United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, amid reports that they have fallen out.

    Mourinho took over at United in 2016, winning the League Cup and the Europa League in his first season in charge, when they finished sixth in the Premier League.

    United were runners-up to Manchester City last season.

    He has won the Premier League three times with Chelsea and claimed two titles in Portugal, two in Italy and one in Spain as well as winning the Champions League twice.

    BBC

  • Jose Mourinho demands respect after Man Utd defeat

    Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho demanded “respect” from journalists and walked out of his news conference after the 3-0 Premier League home defeat by Tottenham.

    The defeat was Mourinho’s heaviest at home in his career, and he has now lost two of his first three league games for the first time.

    “I won more Premierships alone than the other 19 managers together,” Mourinho said. “Three for me and two for them.

    “Respect, respect, respect man.”

    Harry Kane’s header and two goals from Lucas Moura at Old Trafford maintained Tottenham’s 100% start to the season and lifted them to second in the table.

    Mourinho was involved in a tense news conference earlier in the week, arriving 30 minutes early, defending his relationship with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and leaving after four minutes and 19 seconds.

    The Portuguese has won more Premier League titles than the rest of the division’s current managers combined – he won three in two spells with Chelsea, while Pep Guardiola and Manuel Pellegrini won one each at Manchester City.

    Mourinho, who lifted his most recent Premier League crown three years ago, has also won two titles in Portugal, two in Italy and one in Spain, as well as winning the Champions League twice, and the Europa League with United in 2017.

    “You want to make the miracle of my team played so well and strategically we were so, so, so, so, so, so good and you want to try and transform this press conference into let’s blame the guy,” he said.

    Asked about United’s defending against Spurs, he said: “I am sorry. You have to tell me what is the most important thing because I don’t know.

    “When I win matches I come here many times and you are not happy that I win matches and you say the most important is the way of playing.”

    BBC

  • Tottenham thrash Man Utd 3-0 at Old Trafford

    Tottenham defeated Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford to pile more pressure on Jose Mourinho whose team now has only one win in three games.

    Harry Kane put the visitors ahead at the start of the second half with a precise header.

    Lucas Moura’s angled drive doubled their lead two minutes later as United’s defensive weakness were exposed again.

    The Brazilian rounded off the scoring late on, skipping past Chris Smalling to plant his shot beyond goalkeeper David de Gea.

    Only a fourth league win at Old Trafford in 40 years maintained Tottenham’s 100% record this season and lifted them to second in the table behind Liverpool.

    United have lost two consecutive league games and two of their opening three fixtures for the first time since 1992-93.

    The hosts did have their chances. In the first half Romelu Lukaku steered an effort wide of an empty goal after rounding keeper Hugo Lloris, who also denied the forward at 1-0.

  • Man Utd v Tottenham preview: Team news, stats

    Manchester United welcome Tottenham to Old Trafford on Monday as they look to bounce back from their disappointing defeat at the hands of Brighton last week.

    United could welcome back Alexis Sanchez, who was ruled out of the defeat by Brighton because of a groin problem.

    Nemanja Matic and Antonio Valencia may also be available after injuries.

    Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino remains without Son Heung-min as he is still on international duty with South Korea at the Asian Games.

    Victor Wanyama has returned to training following a knee injury but is not expected to be involved on Monday.

    Spurs, on the other hand, have recorded back-to-back victories in the Premier League this season, beating Newcastle United 2-1 away before claiming a 3-1 win over Fulham at Wembley.

    MATCH FACTS

    Head-to-head

    Tottenham’s 21 defeats at Old Trafford is the most by any away team at a single stadium in Premier League history.

    Spurs have lost four consecutive league matches away at United without scoring.

    Manchester United

    Only in the 1992-93 season have the Red Devils lost more than one of their opening three matches of a Premier League campaign.

    A London team has not won away against Manchester United in the Premier League since Spurs’ victory on New Year’s Day 2014. Since then, London clubs have taken just seven points from a possible 66 at Old Trafford.

    United’s next Premier League home defeat will be their 50th in the competition at Old Trafford. Thirty one percent of those defeats have happened since Sir Alex Ferguson left as manager.

    Since taking over ahead of the 2016-17 season, Jose Mourinho has guided his team to 153 points – 16 fewer than Spurs and 32 less than Manchester City.

    Tottenham

    Mauricio Pochettino has won 199 matches in all competitions as a manager, including 123 with Tottenham.

    Harry Kane has only scored once in eight league games against Manchester United. His solitary goal in 645 minutes in this fixture is his worst Premier League ratio against any of the 26 different teams he has scored against.

    Kane has scored 18 goals versus established top-six opposition in the Premier League, which is two more than Romelu Lukaku despite playing 2,008 minutes fewer than the Belgian in those games.

    Pochettino has lost 11 competitive fixtures against Jose Mourinho, more than against any other manager.

     

  • Mourinho denies rift with Man Utd’s vice-chairman

    Mourinho denies rift with Man Utd’s vice-chairman

    Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho said he has “no problems” with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, in a pre-match news conference missed by most of the media because the Portuguese arrived half an hour early.

    Mourinho spoke for four minutes and 19 seconds – much shorter than is normal – and said he had not read reports of a falling out between the two.

    “I don’t know 10% of what is written,” Mourinho said.

    “I’m not the right guy to answer.”

    When reminded that he had in the past always spoken about Woodward with respect, and asked if their relationship was still fine, he added: “Of course. No problems.”

    He was also asked whether reports of conflict were part of an “overreaction” to United’s 3-2 defeat by Brighton in the Premier League last weekend, to which Mourinho replied: “You are pessimistic, I am not.”