United deserve more credit for Tottenham win – Mourinho

Jose Mourinho believes Manchester United have not been given enough credit for their victory over Tottenham, who convincingly defeated Liverpool and Real Madrid either side of a loss to the Red Devils.

Sections of the Old Trafford crowd jeered the decision to take off Marcus Rashford when the score was locked at 0-0 against Spurs last week, but the mood was soon lifted as replacement Anthony Martial scored an 81st-minute winner.

At full-time, Mourinho was seen shushing the camera and later criticised supporters over a perceived lack of support for striker Romelu Lukaku.

The Portuguese aimed another apparent dig at the fans in his programme notes ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Benfica when he wrote: “I hope you enjoy the game more than some of you did against Tottenham.” 

And with Spurs having defeated Liverpool and Madrid 4-1 and 3-1 respectively, Mourinho wants his side to be given more recognition.

“I don’t want to comment [on criticism of United’s performances]. Because if I comment I’m going to do a job that’s not my job and sometimes I feel I could or should and sometimes I need to cool down and think I shouldn’t,” he said ahead of Sunday’s trip to Chelsea.

“I know that it’s a different way of analysing things for this reason or that reason. Similar performances for some clubs are magic, are examples of brilliant tactics and amazing attitude by the players and for other teams the same type of performance is seen as negative.

“But honestly, just as an example, Spurs beat Liverpool and Real Madrid and Tottenham didn’t score against Manchester United, so at least a little bit of credit my players deserve.”

“We have to wait a little bit,” says the boss, on the availability of injured players. “I prefer to say two more days to confirm.” #MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 2, 2017

Mourinho was also questioned about the fitness of the injured contingent among his squad, with Paul Pogba (hamstring) and Marouane Fellaini (knee) both pictured at the club’s training ground.

But the former Madrid boss says it is too early to provide an update on the status of his injured players.

“I need to wait a little bit. Normally the press conference is a bit later in the week, we still have Friday and Saturday,” he added.

“I’m not very optimistic, but I don’t want to lie or for you to say I have lied if I say no chance of recovery. We have two more days to confirm my expectation.

“I think next two days will be important for the decision.”