“A Personal Connection” – Manchester United Star Reveals His Close Relationship With Jose Mourinho

Manchester United have been trophyless for the past 4 years. The last time they laid hands on silverware was under Jose Mourinho. While the Portuguese did relatively well in his first two years in charge, he lost the dressing room and the support of fans, which led to his eventual sacking.

During his stint at United, Mourinho was criticized for his defensive tactics and unattractive style of play. The final nail in his coffin came after a shambolic 3-1 defeat to rivals Liverpool at Anfield. While his reputation certainly took a hit, Jesse Lingard, in a recent interview, divulged an anecdote that shows the Portuguese manager in a completely different light. Notably, it was Lingard who scored the solitary United goal in Mourinho’s final game.

“He made me a winner” Jesse Lingard praises Jose Mourinho’s man-management

While Jose’s methods and tactics have been questioned over the years; one thing that everyone agrees is his knack for winning. The Portuguese is a serial winner and is known to bring out an elite winners’ mentality in his players. Manchester United star Jesse Lingard in a recent interview also echoed the same.

Writing in The Players’ Tribune, he said: “Me and José had a good relationship generally… He was good to me. Before all the injury stuff, he trusted me, put me in for important games. We won trophies and he made me a winner. He could just bring out that side in you.”

Lingard details Mourinho’s management style

Jesse Lingard further revealed how Jose was father-like to him. He shared a series of instances where the Portuguese manager would simply face time him, and check up on him. Contrary to his image in the media, the Portuguese manager liked having a personal connection with his players.

“He also liked to have a personal connection with his players. Sometimes I’d look at my phone and I’d be getting a random FaceTime from him. Just out of nowhere — just to check-in. I used to find it so strange at first. He’d call and be like, “Hey Jesse, what are you doing?” And I’d be like, “Erm, just chilling, watching TV … (awkward silence) … what are you doing?” Jesse said.

Mourinho’s prime is absolutely ridiculous (2002-2015):

• Seasons – 12
• Clubs – 4
• Titles – 22
• Ppg – 2,3
• Lowest league finish – 3rd (82 points, 13/14, Premier League)
• UCL titles – 2
• UEL titles – 1
• League titles – 8
• Manager of the year – 4

Unmatched pic.twitter.com/GiN8j6f7SI

— Iconic Mourinho (@Iconic_Mourinho) October 11, 2021

Is Jose Mourinho overly criticized for his stint at Manchester United?

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