The former Chelsea boss also made a strong defence of his record promoting youth players and appeared to take swipes at Louis van Gaal and Arsene Wenger as he was formally unveiled as United manager.
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His best shot may be having 12 months to impress Jose Mourinho, but it remains to be seen in which role he is a “specialist”. In his first media interaction after being appointed the manager of the most prestigious club in English football’s history, Mourinho said he was not good with words after making the thirty-minute press conference a sneak peek of the exciting times ahead for the club with the witty manager.
Giggs left United after 29 years as a player and assistant manager with Mourinho bringing in his own assistant Rui Faria on board.
“I feel a bit frustrated I am not playing Champions League. I can give you that”, said the Portuguese, seemingly offering to share his list of almost a half century of players handed senior debuts. I am where I want to be. You can tell me his pass is fantastic but my pass is also unbelievable without pressure.
Ibrahimovic may have an incredible record during his career, and represented some of Europe’s biggest clubs including Barcelona, but the boss is convinced his determination to prove his worth in the Premier League will write another successful chapter of his story.
“The reality is it was never important for me”.
“Ryan wants to be a manager and made a decision, which was fearless and honest”. Maybe he’s not a number nine anymore, but with me he will never be a number six. It’s normal that a player at his age changes. I play against myself. And to be more aggressive is to say we want to win.
Mourinho has often been criticised for his reluctance to play youngsters, but the former Chelsea manager was quick to point out almost 50 players have made their professional debut under him throughout the years. Despite the work ahead of Mourinho, the Portuguese said that he needs management “to breath” and has enjoyed the United environment so far. I don’t want the players to think we have to do better and finish fourth. To be there, to put the ball in the net, is the most hard thing you have to find.
“I was always much more aggressive in my approach with the risks that obviously can bring”.
Mourinho revealed that United were targeting four signings this summer, hinting that Paul Pogba might follow Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitryan to Old Trafford.
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While Mourinho’s last season with Chelsea was largely forgettable, he’s promised to get Manchester United back the summit of the Premier League.
