Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho was speaking to UEFA.com ahead of the club’s UEFA Super Cup final against Real Madrd when he stated this is the not the same team of old.
The Portuguese tactician reiterated critic’s belief that the Red Devils are in a current transitional period which explains their recent poor form in the Premier League. Despite that, Mourinho managed to win 3 trophies last season with Manchester United in his first season in charge. However, Jose was quick to point out his team are underdogs vs Real Madrid.
“Our players don’t have a wealth of experience of big European matches. This is a new Manchester United, a new generation of players; last season was the Europa League, which was also so important for us in terms of gaining experience, but now we’re returning to the Champions League and to the UEFA Super Cup against the best team in Europe, so it’s a great opportunity.” he said.
Mourinho continued, “Every time I’ve contested the UEFA Super Cup, it was as the Europa League winners. When I won the Champions League with Porto, I left Porto. When I won the Champions League with Inter, I left Inter.”.
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“So I’ve never contested the UEFA Super Cup as the strongest team. It’s the same story this time: I’m taking Manchester United to play against Real Madrid, the Champions League winners. Hopefully this time we can do it.” the former Madrid boss admitted.
Mourinho added, “I don’t look at them as a former team. It’s something I’ve been through many times. I left Porto and two months later I was facing them in the Champions League. I left Chelsea and a few months later I was facing them with Manchester United. I never look at it in terms of taking on my former club, not at all.”.
“So I just look at Real Madrid as what they are: a big club, the European champions, and it’s a great motivation for us to play against them.” he said. Jose and his players have both insisted that if the team wants to be the best it must first beat the best and what better way to begin than by beat Real Madrid in a European cup final?
Mourinho isn’t the only person to have represented both clubs, in fact he isn’t the only Portuguese to do so as former Manchester United favourite Cristiano Ronaldo should be available for Madrid come kick-off. The international hero didn’t face the Red Devils during the club’s pre-season tour as he was given extended leave after his country’s exploits in the Confederations Cup.
Cristiano also reportedly teased fans with a transfer back to Old Trafford when he apparently said in court to the judge that he never had tax problems in England which is why he wishes to return. With United seemingly testing Madrid’s resolve for Bale, perhaps the reports have it all wrong and it is Ronaldo who Mourinho wishes to buy.
With Mbappe edging closer to a move to the Spanish capital, many have claimed Zidane wishes to break up the club’s BBC trio in order to make way for the talented youngster. Rumours stated it was Bale who was deemed expendable but maybe Ronaldo is more likely to make the switch to Manchester United.
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After all, the Portuguese has made it clear many times of his dissatisfaction of all his problems during his time with the La Liga giants. It would also make sense age wise that Ronaldo is the one that Zidane is more willing to let go with Bale about to hit his prime. Skeptics however have point to Ronaldo’s reportedly poor relationship with Mourinho. Is a move possible?