MOURINHO CASE FOR DEFENCE
JOSE MOURINHO launched into an extraordinary defence of his work at Manchester United yesterday and vowed that he will not walk away from the challenge. In answering just one question about United’s Champions League defeat against Sevilla, a defiant Mourinho gave an impassioned response lasting more than 12 minutes as he quoted statistics from a notebook in scenes reminiscent of Rafael Benitez’s infamous ‘fact’ rant in 2009.
Sportsmail can reveal that Mourinho met executive vicefew chairman Ed Woodward and managing director Richard Arnold at United’s Carrington training complex on Thursday morning. Yesterday, the Portuguese coach insisted he has the full backing of his employers and vowed not to change his style in the face of renewed criticism of United’s performances. ‘I’m not going to run away or disappear or cry because I heard a boos,’ said Mourinho. ‘I’m not going to disappear from the tunnel. The next match, I will be the first to go out. I am not afraid of my responsibilities. ‘When I was 20, I was nobody in football. I was somebody’s son with a lot of pride. Now, at 55, I am what I am. I did what I did because of work and because of talent and my mentality. ‘I could be in another country with the league in my pocket. But I am here and I am going to be here — and no way am I going to change my mentality. ‘I don’t know if you know the expression, but there is a code that I like: every wall is a door. ‘The good thing, and the amazing feeling, for me is that I am exactly on the same page as the owners, as Mr Woodward and Mr Arnold. We agree on everything. So life is good. I have an amazing job to do.’ Mourinho had opened his press conference for tonight’s FA Cup quarter-final against Brighton at Old Trafford in genial mood. ‘I’m alive, I’m here,’ he smiled.
M MARCOS ROJO has signed a new three-and-a-half contract at United with the option for another year.