Jose Mourinho has laid the blame for Manchester United‘s stuttering start to the season firmly at the door of his predecessor, Louis van Gaal.
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United saw off League One Northampton on Wednesday, while City won 2-1 at Swansea to set up the second meeting of the two teams this season following City’s derby win on 10 September.
“Now we need to keep winning games, it has been a bad week, but after this win we can face Leicester in a more positive way this weekend”.
“I’ve done that [played in different positions] throughout my career”.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Mourinho said: “We deserved it”. “If the fans have been disappointed with the last week, I understand completely but I am sure they will be behind the team like they always are”, he explained, before taking aim at recent critics.
Manager Jose Mourinho was delighted to reach the next round as he praised midfielder Michael Carrick who was making his return in the squad. United will face Burnley at Old Trafford the weekend after the City clash, so it will be a big week for United, needing to pull it out of the bag against Chelsea, City then Burnley have a successful week.
Following United’s victory, Mourinho’s side were drawn against neighbours City in the fourth round of the EFL Cup.
“We tried to play as quick as possible, one, two touches, I think the team needed that today”.
“It was a hard match, but overall a positive performance”.
In the little post-match activity he did, the Portuguese underlined his anger that Jak McCourt’s tackle on Memphis Depay early in the second half brought a booking rather than a red card.
And Northampton were to equalise, the goal coming from the penalty spot when Daley Blind fouled Sam Hoskins in the box, allowing Alex Revell to step up and fire his side level.
“That’s football, I think”, he added.
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“But I am very happy because when you score you help the team more, and I know my role and what I can give to the team”.
