Pure and simple, Jose’s praise for star man Matic
BOSS IMPRESSED WITH HIS NEW SIGNINGS
JOSE Mourinho believes Nemanja Matic’s performance in Skopje oozed simplicity.
And the United boss also had praise for the Reds’ other debutant in a competitive match, Romelu Lukaku.
The £110m new signings played the full 90 minutes of the Super Cup final in Macedonia as United went down 2-1 to Champions League holders Real Madrid.
Anchor man Matic isn’t as far advanced as his colleagues in terms of pre-season fitness but the £35m 29-year-old was still United’s man of the match .
“I think he played really well,” said Mourinho.
“I think in the moments where they were moving more the ball, of course it was difficult for us in the midfield.
“But in our good moments he was really good and especially in our dominance in the second half after the 2-0.
“In our period of dominance he was what we want him to be: to move the ball in a simple way, to give balance to the team, to start building from the back.
“He is a player with great experience, many years at the highest level and good experience, good stability.”
Lukaku had a mixed evening in the Philip II Arena suffering a dreadful close-range miss before the 24-year-old Belgian redeemed himself by scoring United’s only goal.
Mourinho had sympathy for his new hitman after a night dominated by Real Madrid.
“It is difficult job to play against a team that dominates the possession – and he tried,” said the Reds boss.
“Of course he missed a chance with an open goal, but he scored his goal.
“He had a good fight against two good central defenders and I am happy with this period and how he fits into – I am never tired to repeat – an amazing group.”
Mourinho was presented with his Super Cup losers medal in Skopje but immediately gave it away to a young Red for a memorable souvenir of the match.
“Look, sometimes even when I win I don’t keep the medals so imagine when I lose?” said the United boss.
“For me, the medal would go to some place in my house and for that kid it is the moon. For that kid, it is for sure something that he is going to keep and to remember. It was a little kid with a Man United shirt - I have no idea where he comes from.
“But I think for the kid it is something he will never forget.”