Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Mourinho wants more vocal fans
JOSE Mourinho called for Manchester United fans to up their game for Sunday’s Premier League home clash with Liverpool following the 2-0 EFL Cup semi-final firstleg win over Hull at Old Trafford last night.
United boss Mourinho also stressed the need for improvement from himself and his players as he urged supporters not to “come to the theatre” on Sunday but “come to play with us”.
After second-half goals from Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini steered his side to victory against the Tigers, Mourinho expressed his concerns, saying: “Maybe I didn’t do my job well to prepare the players for the game.
“But the players have to improve and I have t o improve, and I am sorry to say I think the fans have also to improve for a big match on Sunday.
“Our performances (for the Hull match) were enough t o win but f or Sunday, we all have to improve.”
He added: “I always think that we are responsible for the fans’ participation in the game.
“If we play very, very well, very enthusiastic, they come to the pitch and play with us. When we didn’t play so well, with so much emotion and intensity, it is normal that they relax a little bit.
“We have absolutely amazing fans.
“What I feel is that Sunday is a special match for us, a special match for the Manchester United fans — so my invitation is don’t come to the theatre, come to play, play with us.”