Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho takes not-so-subtle dig at critics in bizarre interview after Benfica win
Debate over Old Trafford boss' defensive style of play has overshadowed a successful start to the season
JOSE MOURINHO took a not-so-subtle dig at his critics after all-but steering Manchester United to the Champions League knockout rounds.
The Old Trafford manager made a 'shushing' gesture after being jeered by fans for his tactics in the 1-0 win over Tottenham on Saturday.
Debate over whether his defensive style of play fits United's attacking philosophy has largely overshadowed a brilliant start to the season.
Supporters and pundits have criticised his methods, with Paul Scholes claiming his team are "incapable of brilliant attacking football".
When asked for his view on the Red Devils' performance in their 2-0 win over Benfica on Tuesday, Mourinho simply said: "No."
After being pressed, the Portuguese said: "It is better for the specialists to comment on the game than for me to give my opinion.
"I'm paid to work and do my best, which I do every day, and the specialists are paid to comment on my work so let them."
Daley Blind's penalty and an own goal from Benfica keeper Mile Svilar saw United run out 2-0 winners.
Scott McTominay made his European debut amid injuries to Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini.
Eventually the Specialist One gave way, saying: "I'm more than happy. We changed a lot of players, we broke the natural dynamic of the team and the routines of the team. We played a kid from the academy. We scored two goals and didn’t concede.
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"Three more points, 12 [in the group stage], more money for the club because every victory means money."
Days ago, Mourinho jumped to the defence of 'Untouchable' Romelu Lukaku by telling fans to lay off him.
The big Belgian has now gone six games without a goal after a blistering start to the campaign.
That dry spell could have ended tonight when Marcus Rashford was hacked down in the box to earn the team a penalty.
But Mourinho instead ordered Daley Blind to take the spot-kick, with regular taker Anthony Martial - who had missed from 12 yards in the first half - off the pitch.
He explained: "The reason is Martial was the player to take, he took, he missed. He was not on the pitch and then the players were happy to take responsibilities.
"Romelu was happy to do it, [Ander] Herrera too, but my choice was Blind. It was my decision.
“We train, I analyse, I try to make the right decision. [In] the last days, Martial didn’t miss one and was taking so many against three good keepers. He missed so sometimes the choice is the wrong one.
"But then Daley was my decision in the moment."
