Pearce: Mourinho using tactic by publicly criticising players
Man Utd news live updates: Express Sport brings you the latest from Old Trafford
Saturday October 28
Mourinho deliberately agitating
05:30: Jose Mourinho is purposefully trying to get under the skin of his Manchester United players to try and get a reaction.
That’s according to Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas, who claims his tactic isn’t working.
Since taking the helm at Old Trafford in 2016 Mourinho has made a number of remarks questioning his own players’ ability and desire with the likes of Luke Shaw, Chris Smalling and Anthony Martial all being on the receiving end of his sharp tongue.
And Nicholas believes some United stars may not be reacting how Mourinho would hope to his somewhat harsh criticism at times.
“Martial - you always feel as though he is always under scrutiny from Jose Mourinho,” Nicholas told Sky Sports’ The Debate show.
“He’s trying to deliberately agitate people and [he hopes] that agitation will get more from them.
“And the big games I think that’s starting to change now. In the past we would have said ‘if I don’t play well I’m coming off after 60 minutes’ now I think you fear even half-times under Jose.”
Ibrahimovic claim
05:00: Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed he would not swap any of the trophies he has won in his career for the Champions League.
The 36-year-old has lifted pretty much every major honour available in the game, however Europe's elite competition still eludes him.
The Swede got his hands on a Europa League winners' medal for the Red Devils last term, and while not obsessed with lifting the trophy, he admits it would be fantastic to get his hands on the biggest prize in club football.
"Of course, winning the Champions League would be massive, huge," Ibrahimovic told Sky Sports.
"That is one of the targets, every season. But in the whole picture, if I could change one Champions League for my whole other 33 trophies, no.”
GETTY
Zlatan Ibrahimovic claims he wouldn't trade his other trophies for one Champions League
Ozil update
04:30: Mesut Ozil has insisted he is happy at Arsenal, despite constant rumours linking to Manchester United.
The Germany international has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford with speculation strongly suggesting he will leave Arsenal when his contract expires at the end of the season.
But Ozil insists he is fully committed to the Gunners.
"It's very nice to hear that [Kroenke's comments] and to see that - he's the major shareholder,” Ozil said.
"I'm happy here, and I do my job to 100 per cent as I always have. I give everything and leave it all on the pitch for the team.
"The most important thing is football. I want to give everything, 100 per cent for this club.”
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
