Jose Mourinho wary over early transfer window closure as Manchester United boss admits it provides English clubs with an 'element of weakness'

  • Manchester United voted against the early closure of the transfer window 
  • However, boss Jose Mourinho says he is in favour from a coaching point of view
  • Mourinho has warned that the decision could put British clubs at a disadvantage 

Jose Mourinho is happy with the decision to close the transfer window earlier in England than the rest of Europe – as long as his club shut the door on the Continent at the same time.

Manchester United were one of five clubs to vote against Premier League proposals, passed yesterday, which will see the window closed here on the Thursday before the start of the season. 

It means, in theory, that clubs in Europe will be able to sign players from English clubs who will not be able to respond with acquisitions of their own. 

Jose Mourinho wants to see transfer windows across Europe close in line with Premier League

Jose Mourinho wants to see transfer windows across Europe close in line with Premier League

‘My thoughts are by the coach’s point of view, Jose Mourinho as the head coach of Manchester United, obviously I am in favour,’ he said. 


‘If I focus just on the training process of course I want to arrive, day one, I want to have my squad, my players, I want to work and travel with them in pre-season, I don't want to be waiting for late decisions.’ 

The Portuguese, whose side head to Stoke City in tomorrow’s late kick-off, added that he understood why his bosses voted no. 

‘There is another perspective, where I can also include myself because I am more than just the head coach,’ he said. 

Romelu Lukaku was one of three summer signings to move to Old Trafford in the summer

Romelu Lukaku was one of three summer signings to move to Old Trafford in the summer

‘I have to share the problems the board has, is that obviously when the decision is not uniform around Europe we are opening a disadvantage for the English clubs. 

'That was the reason why Manchester United voted against - because there is another element, the market will be closed for us and is open for others and they can come to the English clubs, buy players, and they can leave English clubs without the possibility of a big action, so it's another element of weakness.’

 Mourinho added that he hoped that, from next season, that weakness would not affect his own club. 

‘If you tell me Manchester United, I hope are strong and powerful enough, we also close our doors and say the offer doesn't matter,' he said.

Mourinho has expressed his disappointment over Andreas Pereira's decision to leave on loan 

Mourinho has expressed his disappointment over Andreas Pereira's decision to leave on loan 

'We close the market for buying, for selling - I expect my club to be acting that way but there are other English clubs that will be in risk.’ 

Mourinho, who landed three of his four targets this summer, also reflected on a previous window which was not perfect. 

‘It was not a perfect market because perfect is when you architect the moves and it goes 100 per cent in your direction, which is really difficult,’ he said. 

It happens with everyone but I cannot call it perfect.’ 

One player who left United on deadline day, Andreas Pereira, came in for scathing criticism from the manager. The 21-year-old is yet to make a league start for the club he joined in 2012 and has gone to Valencia on a season-long loan.

‘His was a personal decision that I don't agree with,’ Mourinho said. 

Jose Mourinho was speaking to the press ahead of Manchester United's clash against Stoke

Jose Mourinho was speaking to the press ahead of Manchester United's clash against Stoke

‘A decision I don't think honestly is the best decision for him, a decision that disappoints me, he has the potential to be fighting for a position. 

'His decision can be considered that of a young player who wants to play every weekend but also a young player that is not ready to fight for something difficult and it's difficult to play in Manchester United’s midfield. 

'We have the option to bring him back on January 1, so it is not a drama but it is a decision which disappoints me a little bit.’