Mourinho hits out at critics in 12-minute rant

In a 12-minute rant using statistics from a notebook, Jose Mourinho launched a strong defence of his time in charge of Manchester United that included a dig at managerial rival Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Mourinho came in for criticism this week after United’s feeble exit from the Champions League at the hands of Sevilla on Tuesday. Three days later, he used his press conference ahead of this evening’s FA Cup quarter-final against Brighton at Old Trafford to highlight what he perceived as United’s lack of “football heritage” in recent years because of their poor results in the Premier League and in the Champions League.

He spoke of the groundwork he was laying at United in his second year at the club, while also claiming much of City’s success this season could be put down to their investment in players before Guardiola became manager in 2016.

Mourinho then insisted he was “on the same page” as United’s owners and the board, and said he was not going to “run away” or change his mentality in the wake of the Sevilla loss.

In the weekend’s other FA Cup quarter-finals, Swansea are at home to Tottenham today, while tomorrow League One Wigan host Southampton and Chelsea visit Leicester.