The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Shah shines for Pakistan
Spin bowler Yasir Shah claimed six wickets as Pakistan wrapped up a sevenwicket win against the West Indies in the first Test at Kingston. He took six for 63 for his ninth career five-wicket haul as the hosts lost their final six wickets for just 42 to be dismissed for 152 and leave Pakistan chasing just 32 for victory. and say that better days will arrive, but I am always happy with the approach from such a young and talented kid.
“Some players don’t give everything they have, so that is the point, they have to.
“And when they do it, I am happy with them. It doesn’t matter the way they perform.”
United have injury problems, including what the club has described as serious knee ligament damage sustained last week by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, their 28-goal leading-scorer.
While Mourinho would not be drawn on the future of the 35-year-old Swede, whose contract with United is due to expire this summer, he did confirm Ibrahimovic had travelled to the United States for surgery.
Mourinho said: “He is in America to have the surgery and start the recovery process, and that is the only thing that matters for us.”
United are currently fifth in the table, one point behind fourthplaced City with both having five more league fixtures to go after tomorrow.
The Red Devils have already won the EFL Cup this season and have reached the semi-finals of the Europa League, a competition that has a Champions League spot for its winners.
Mourinho, who signed a three-year deal when he was appointed as United manager last summer, feels this term can be the first of several better years for the club.
“I always feel the season is very important for me, for the players, for the club,” the 54-year-old said.
“I would say it can be the first season of the next five or six or seven, who knows, but it can be the first season of better years.”
Mourinho has also been keen to emphasise the focus of the derby should not be himself and Pep Guardiola, the City manager.
Mourinho said: “This is about the clubs, the teams, the positions at the end of the season.
“This is not about myself and Guardiola.”