Grayson is sacked by Black Cats
JOSE MOURINHO just can’t help himself.
Having taken a dig at Manchester United fans for their perceived lack of support for Romelu Lukaku in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Tottenham, Mourinho was at it again last night.
He signed off his programme notes with another waspish jibe at his own fans, following what was, in his eyes at least, a failure to give his players – in particular Lukaku – sufficient backing.
“I hope that you enjoy the game more than some of you did against Tottenham,” wrote Mourinho.
If United fans took umbrage at Mourinho’s latest barb, it didn’t show last night, as the Special One strode down the touchline before kick-off, greeting the acclaim from the home support with a few waves of acknowledgement. These are curious times at United. They lie second in the Premier League, are the only side with a realistic chance of catching leaders Manchester City and on the verge of qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League with this win.
Yet Mourinho has the air of a man burdened, rather than enthused, by the challenge of managing United.
Even when United scored, through an own goal from luckless Benfica keeper Mile Svilar (above), there was barely a flicker of emotion from Mourinho.
His flirting with Paris Saint-Germain in a French TV interview and his admission United would not be his last job, smacked of classic Jose agitation.
He thrives on conflict and rancour, admitting earlier this season that he was wary because things were going a little too serenely at United.
“Too calm”, said Mourinho. “I don’t like the sea to be flat.” Perhaps that is the reason he has tried to create waves.
Sir Alex Ferguson famously said of Dennis Wise that he could start a fight in an empty room.
Mourinho, too, can stir up conflict where there is seemingly none.
It remains to be seen whether his propensity for such tactics will backfire – leaving both him and United with much to ponder next summer. FROM BACK PAGE with the Black Cats languishing in the Championship drop zone.
Sunderland scrambled a chaotic 3-3 draw with basement club Bolton – and Grayson went 20 minutes later. The club said “fundamental change” was needed.
The former Leeds boss was on the brink and only kept in the job over the last fortnight by MD Martin Bain.
But Short decided to end Grayson’s four-month reign – with his last win 12 games ago in mid-August.
A club statement read: “Simon and his team have worked tirelessly to achieve the best for the football club during their time here.
“While we hoped that Simon’s experience in the Football League would help us to a successful season, results have not been good enough for a club of this stature.
“In order for us to improve upon our current position we believe a fundamental change is necessary.”
Assistant manager Glynn Snodin is also leaving. Sunderland match report:
See pull-out page 7