Jose Mourinho has great respect for the Manchester United legends (Picture: Getty)
Jose Mourinho has great respect for the Manchester United legends (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has told club legends they can come to the training ground if they want to criticise his players.

Former boss Louis van Gaal blamed Red Devils heroes speaking in the press for hastening his downfall at the club, but his successor seems less worried by them.

‘From my point of view I would say to them ‘You are welcome at the training ground’,’ Mourinho told The Sun.

‘Any time you want to give an opinion you are welcome, it is your home and you can be back when you want. This club was so successful for so many years you have lots of legends.

‘You have to be respectful with these guys. But the reality is that they are so powerful in the fans’ world that they can influence positively or negatively.

Louis van Gaal was notably annoyed by Paul Scholes (Picture: Getty)
Louis van Gaal was notably annoyed by Paul Scholes (Picture: Getty)

‘The fans love them, so I think when they are positive they can unite and when they are negative they can create a more difficult situation.

‘That is something you have to understand, it is basic. When people belong to the club history, they are different to a normal pundit. You have to look at them in a different way.’

Although, the Portuguese is still keen for the legends to continue being honest.

‘They are working and have to try to be honest and independent.

‘So myself as Manchester United manager cannot ask them ‘You belong to our history, you are here to help them!’ No, they are here to be honest.

‘You have to accept if they are happy with the team they can elevate support. If they are not happy maybe they can make things more difficult.’

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