Mourinho Jokes About “Winning” Premier League Title With Manchester United If City Stripped of It
Jose Mourinho has playfully suggested he might receive a Premier League winners’ medal from his time as Manchester United manager if Manchester City are stripped of their title.
The outspoken Portuguese manager led the Red Devils between mid-2016 and late 2018, achieving success in the Europa League, EFL Cup, and Community Shield in his first season.
United reached the FA Cup final in his second campaign and finished as runners-up to their city rivals, City, in the Premier League—a feat Mourinho later claimed was among the best achievements of his career.
Five Years Later, a Playful Dig
Five years on from that statement, Mourinho is preparing to lead Fenerbahce against his former club in the Europa League. During a press conference, he mischievously suggested that the second-place finish in 2017-18 could be upgraded if City are penalized for alleged financial breaches.
City, who won the title by 19 points that season, are facing a hearing examining 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules, some dating back to the 2009-10 season.
Mourinho on United’s Progress
When asked about United’s progress since he departed, Mourinho said: “Honestly, I didn’t lose one minute thinking about it. I wish the best to Man United since the moment I left. I left with a good feeling to the club, with a good feeling to the fans and I want the best for them, so if things are not going amazingly well for them it’s not something that makes me happy. But at the same time, I have no time and it doesn’t make sense for me to be thinking about what happened, what didn’t happen.”
“What happened, for sure, because it’s very objective, is that they keep faith in the coach (Erik ten Hag), they support the coach, the coach is staying season after season and that means stability, it means trust. They are giving him conditions to keep developing his job. That was different in relation to me because, as you know, we won Europa League, we finished second in the Premier League. I think we still have a chance to win that league because maybe they punish Man City with points and maybe we win that league and they have to pay me the bonus and give me the medal.”
Mourinho’s Fondness for Manchester United
Mourinho concluded his answer with a smirk at the packed press conference, showcasing his characteristic wit and charm. He continued to express his fondness for his former club and the Premier League, even joking about newspaper coverage of his lifestyle in Istanbul.
The Portuguese manager emphasized that he believes United have a strong team and will soon achieve success. He expressed his hope that they will be his opponent again when he returns to the Premier League.
Respect for Sir Alex Ferguson
Mourinho also spoke highly of Sir Alex Ferguson, revealing that his relationship with the legendary manager was “amazing, incredible.” He mentioned that his Netflix documentary will delve deeper into the reasons behind his respect for Ferguson.
Mourinho emphasized the immense love and respect Ferguson enjoys from Manchester United fans worldwide, stating that these are more important than any ambassadorial role or financial gain.