“I wanted to show the fans how bad he was, but when i subtituted him, I was accused instead. That same player is still at the club and haven’t improved for one bit”-Jose Mourinho says he was ‘accused of bullying’ at Manchester United after half-time change of a player who is still at the club.
Jose Mourinho has revealed that he faced allegations of bullying during his tenure at Manchester United, particularly after a halftime substitution. Taking over from Louis van Gaal in 2016, Mourinho kicked off his stint with notable successes, clinching the Community Shield, League Cup, and Europa League in his debut season. He regarded guiding United to a Premier League runner-up position as one of his finest accomplishments, underscoring the hidden complexities of the situation.
However, his final season turned sour, resulting in his departure after two and a half years, marked by a challenging start and a string of disappointing results. Lagging behind league leaders Liverpool by a significant margin, Mourinho faced another blow with a defeat just prior to his exit. Despite subsequent managerial roles at Tottenham Hotspur and Roma, Mourinho frequently revisits his time at United, discussing it in interviews and podcasts.
In conversations on John Obi-Mikel’s podcast, Mourinho shared insights into his tenure, including an incident where he was accused of bullying for making a halftime substitution. While he didn’t disclose the player involved, he referenced the substitution of Nemanja Matic during a game against Southampton. Mourinho defended his decision, stating it was aimed at securing victory, reflecting on how management strategies have evolved over time.
Mourinho also subtly criticized Ed Woodward, expressing his preference for working with current CEO Richard Arnold, whom he held in high regard for his character. Despite any differences, Mourinho affirmed his dedication to the club and its fans, recalling moments of appreciation he received during public appearances. Overall, Mourinho’s reflections offer a glimpse into the complexities and challenges he faced during his tenure at Manchester United.
