‘Mourinho’s causing his own issues’
REPORTS they need to be very careful of, because City are a very big club now and they’re very well run. They know how to use certain situations, and unrest across the road helps.”
Phelan thinks Mourinho’s attitude is causing many of his problems, lowering morale in the squad and diminishing the name of a club with a huge global fan base.
“Any manager of any big institution, which is what Manchester United is, you have a responsibility to give out the correct messages,” Phelan said. “You don’t have to avoid conflict, but you certainly have to conduct yourself in a way which is befitting of the tradition of where you’re working.
“But [Mourinho] is a completely different character and he expresses himself in a completely different way. There are opportunities to say things and there are opportunities to keep it to yourself. He chooses one way, and with that there are consequences.”
To add to his problems, Mourinho could claim the unwanted distinction of the becoming the first United boss since Ferguson in 1992-93 to lose two of the first three league games of the season if they are beaten at Old Trafford by Tottenham tonight.
Phelan refuses to accept that Mourinho is setting up an early exit, with many looking at his record at previous clubs and suggesting he will not last the season.
“I don’t think so,” said Phelan, speaking to BBC’s Sportsweek. “You’re the manager of Manchester United, why would you want to leave that situation?
“It probably is delicate right now, in terms of his managerial
MAN UTD TOTTENHAM
role, but most things are controlled by results. You’ve got to perform well, get the right results and enjoy the time that you’re there.
“Not many people become manager of Manchester United. Sir Alex had it for a long time, then a few have come along since to try to emulate him and make them the champions again.
“It’s something you’ve got to embrace, rather than not embrace, because it’s a fabulous time to be at a football club of that magnitude.”
Mourinho meanwhile has thanked fans for not deserting the club and demanded that his players repay their loyalty.
“The supporters were fantastic in both matches for the team, which is the only thing that matters,” he said. “In my career I was never selfish and thinking about myself, I was always a club man. That’s what I am.
“I am really happy when the supporters show they support the team. Against Leicester, you can say it was a normal situation because the team were playing well and were winning.
“But to be supportive of the team against Brighton, where we didn’t play well and lost the match, it gives you a fantastic feeling. I hope that feeling, that the players also feel it and that the players they are ready to give them everything they have.”
Mourinho is expected to make a raft of changes tonight with Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Nemanja Matic, Alexis Sanchez, Ander Herrera and Antonio Valencia all set to return in a bid to avoid a loss that would deepen the crisis.