Mourinho: Don't just blame me for Manchester United's woes

Under-fire Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho insisted that he is not entirely to blame for the club's poor season.

Published : Oct 06, 2018 10:09 IST

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho
lightbox-info

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho refused to accept sole blame for Manchester United's struggles this season as rumours over his future at Old Trafford gather pace.

Mourinho has cut a frustrated and glum figure amid United's poor start to the campaign after just four wins from 10 matches in all competitions, leaving the Red Devils nine points off the pace in the Premier League.

The 55-year-old Portuguese boss gave a short news conference on Friday before the Daily Mirror later reported Mourinho will be sacked regardless of Saturday's result against Premier League strugglers Newcastle United.

READ: Neville blasts Man United as 'an absolute disgrace' after reported Mourinho sacking

Under-fire manager Mourinho – who is winless in his past four home matches for the first time in his managerial career – insisted that he is not entirely to blame. "Sometimes things are not just in the manager's hands," Mourinho said.

United finished runner-up to record-breaking Premier League champion Manchester City last season, while Mourinho's men also reached the FA Cup final before losing to Chelsea.

The Red Devils has looked a shadow of that side this term amid Mourinho's strained relationship with star midfielder Paul Pogba.

ALSO READ:  Mourinho searching for defensive answers at Man United

Mourinho and Pogba were involved in a training-ground confrontation last week after the French World Cup winner was stripped of vice-captaincy duties.

There have been reports of dressing-room unrest – captain Antonio Valencia apologising for liking a post on Instagram that called for United to sack Mourinho.

When pushed on who is at fault for United's woes, a coy Mourinho replied: "The same people that were to blame with the fantastic season of last season."

ALSO READ:  'Moaning' Mourinho should stay at Manchester United, says Scholes

United invested heavily in Brazil international midfielder Fred, while Portuguese youngster Diogo Dalot also arrived from Porto, however it was a frustrating transfer window for Mourinho – whose request for two more signings was not fulfilled by the hierarchy.

"Success has a direct relation with your own potential and a direct relation with the potential of your opponents," added Mourinho.

"The last season was phenomenal exactly because of these two factors - our potential and the potential of our opponents."

"I think opponents with much more potential than us finished behind us. That is the reason why it was a phenomenal season."

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment