Mourinho on transfers: Manchester United manager has seemingly taken a jibe at Pep Guardiola ahead of the clash against Man City.
Manchester United will be meeting their city rivals Manchester City for the first time this season. The match will take place at the Etihad Stadium, where United registered a 3-2 victory on their last visit.
Interestingly, Manchester United are also the last side to register a Premier League win over Pep Guardiola’s team.
This season, however, the fortunes have been contrast for both the sides. While City are yet to concede a loss in the league, Manchester United have dropped points in 5 games this season, which include three defeats.
The recent surge in form, however, is a healthy sign for Jose Mourinho, and the performance reaped rewards for his side as United secured three points in a terrific comeback win over Juventus earlier this week.
Ahead of the clash against City, Mourinho spoke to the media and seemingly took a dig at Pep Guardiola.
Mourinho on transfers:
Jose Mourinho spoke in length about the transfer policies, and while he didn’t take a name, it was evident that the Portuguese manager was talking about his city rivals.
Mourinho: “When I needed a full-back, when I wasn’t happy with Shaw’s level, the easiest thing would have been to buy four new players. Some clubs can buy four full-backs. But we didn’t buy a left-back for three years because we were wishing and working for Shaw.” #mufc [Mirror]
— United Xtra (@utdxtra) November 10, 2018
The Manchester United boss talked about his concerns with Luke Shaw when he arrived at the club two years ago.
“To transform talent in professional players into stability and performance is a process of hard work. So is it rebuilding? Yes,” Mourinho began.
Mourinho has taught Shaw a harsh lesson. And has done the same to Martial.
Both have realised that you get out of the game, What you put into it.
Can’t be a coincidence that our performances are improving. As the players attitudes are changing.— david walsh (@davidwalsh1956) November 9, 2018
“If I need a full-back and I was able to buy four, it would be easier. So, when I needed a full-back, when I wasn’t happy with Luke Shaw’s level, the easiest thing would have been to buy four new players.”
Mourinho insisted that while some clubs could ‘buy four full-backs’ in such a situation, his club worked with Luke Shaw.
“Some clubs can buy four full-backs. But we didn’t buy a left-back for three years because we were wishing and working for Luke Shaw to be that left-back. But during that process, we played Matteo Darmian, we played Daley Blind, we played Ashley Young, we played Marcos Rojo.”
Mourinho: “It’s been really hard work, with people like Shaw and Martial. For talented players like them to get to the level they are now is a process. To transform talent in professional players into stability and performance is a process of hard work.” #mufc [Mirror]
— United Xtra (@utdxtra) November 10, 2018
“We didn’t buy four replacements – and that is a big difference,” the manager added.
