I can’t believe that five of this players are still at then club buy now. I wanted to self them but the club refused and sacked me instead. A lot of Manchester United players have lost their jobs because of this players. They are virus to the club”-Jose Mourinho digs out five Man Utd players he didn’t want ‘six years ago’ still at club now

During his tenure at Manchester United, Mourinho encountered notable conflicts with players and frequently voiced frustration over the perceived lack of support from then-chief executive Ed Woodward in the transfer market. Despite securing the club record signing of Paul Pogba for a staggering £89 million, Mourinho’s tenure was marked by a series of setbacks, notably the failure to secure Virgil van Dijk, who ultimately joined Liverpool instead.

Instead of acquiring van Dijk, United opted to sign Victor Lindelof from Benfica for £30 million, along with retaining players like Anthony Martial, Scott McTominay, and Marcus Rashford, who continued at the club following Mourinho’s departure. In an interview with the Telegraph, Mourinho suggested that the retention of certain players had a negative impact on the club’s current struggles, implying that United had regressed since his departure.

Expressing his sentiments, Mourinho stated, “There are still a couple of players there I didn’t want five or six years ago. I believe they embody qualities that aren’t ideal for a club of this stature. However, I fulfilled my duties there. Time always reveals the truth. I would love for Manchester United to thrive.” Currently without a managerial position after leaving Roma earlier in the season, Mourinho also criticized Woodward, implying that current Ajax manager Erik ten Hag had benefitted from a more supportive structure than he had experienced at United.

Reflecting on his relationship with Woodward, Mourinho remarked, “My personal relationship with Ed Woodward was positive. However, professionally, it was lacking. I am deeply passionate about football, but Ed comes from a different background. Ten Hag’s experience at Manchester United was different from mine. I didn’t have that level of backing or trust, so I departed with regret, feeling that I was just at the beginning of a process.”

While Mourinho did lead United to a second-place finish in his second season, an achievement he once esteemed among his best in football, the club’s current standing, seventh in the league, starkly contrasts with those heights. Despite not ruling out a return to management, Mourinho remains ambiguous about his future plans. Some Chelsea fans have even expressed support for his potential return to Stamford Bridge, showcasing discontent towards current manager Mauricio Pochettino.