United boss wants ex-Devils to have a go at players

LONDON: Jose Mourinho has invited Manchester United legends to lay into his players face-to-face.

The Special One wants the likes of Paul Scholes, Roy Keane and Rio Ferdinand to deliver their criticism to current stars at United’s Carrington training ground.

Former boss Louis van Gaal blamed Scholes’ TV rants for pushing him towards the exit door, while Keane, Ferdinand and Gary Neville have also weighed in with flak over the past few years.

But new manager Mourinho does not fear harsh words from United’s former players.

“From my point of view I would say to them ‘You are welcome at the training ground’,” said the Portuguese.

“Any time you want to give an opinion you are welcome, it is your home and you can be back when you want.

“This club was so successful for so many years you have lots of legends.

“You have to be respectful with these guys. But the reality is that they are so powerful in the fans’ world that they can influence positively or negatively.

“The fans love them, so I think when they are positive they can unite and when they are negative they can create a more difficult situation.

“That is something you have to understand, it is basic.

“When people belong to the club history, they are different to a normal pundit. You have to look at them in a different way.”

Ex-Chelsea boss Mourinho wants United legends to continue being honest, even if it means panning his team’s performances.

“They are working and have to try to be honest and independent.

“So myself as Manchester United manager cannot ask them ‘You belong to our history, you are here to help them!’ No, they are here to be honest.

“You have to accept if they are happy with the team they can elevate support.”

From my point of view I would say to them ‘You are welcome at the training ground’. Jose Mourinho