Jose Mourinho claims he is a victim of his own success — and is judged more harshly because of it.
Boss Mourinho was criticised for his Manchester United side’s cautious approach in a 0-0 draw away to arch-rivals Liverpool last weekend.
And he believes his formidable trophy haul and the high standards he has set in his career mean he is under more scrutiny than other bosses.
“I think it’s my fault — because people are used to my teams getting good results and winning titles,” said Mourinho. “Other people have more time than I have, other people have different standards than I have... and that’s not a problem for me at all.
“We’re going to lose matches, that’s obvious, and I can imagine we’re going to have even more criticism than we have now, but honestly? No problem. It’s not a motivation. It doesn’t change my mind or my stability. We work hard, we try to do the best we can and get the best possible results.
“In relation to the last match, speaking about the Champions League, I’d like to know — because I don’t know — when United last won two consecutive matches away (2010, against Bursaspor and Rangers).
“I’d like to know the last time United won nine points from three matches in the Champions League (2012).
“So we’re doing okay.”
United visit Premier League rookies Huddersfield on Saturday, and while they are likely to be in more attacking mode after that goalless game at Anfield and beating Benfica 1-0 in midweek, Mourinho said he will continue to set up defensively when necessary.
“If a team defends badly, concedes five goals but attacks phenomenally well and scores six, then that’s absolutely beautiful and amazing,” said the Special One.
“I know my team cannot score four, five or six every match. I know that, especially with a certain profile of matches — it’s difficult for us to score a lot of goals. We have to try to find a balance and I’m really happy with what the team is doing.”
Mourinho said he still has no idea when £89million record signing Paul Pogba, missing for five weeks with a hamstring injury, will return.
“I have no idea,” said Mourinho. “If you ask if he can play next weekend against Tottenham, then I don’t know.
“I’m not telling you no, then he plays, and then you say I lied. I really don’t know. I expect Eric Bailly to be back next week. I can’t tell you about Pogba.”
Pogba remains in the United States, continuing to rehab the injury — video emerged this week of him sprinting —with Mourinho claiming he has no control over where he carries out his recovery.
“You will have to ask Dr McNally,” said Mourinho. “He’s responsible for that.
“I’m in control of the players who are available. I’m not happy or unhappy. It’s not my responsibility.”
* MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to activate Ashley Young's one-year contract extension - keeping him at Old Trafford until 2019. The versatile 32-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, but has the option for an extra campaign as part of a three-year deal he signed in 2015.
Academy product Scott McTominay, 20, has signed a new and improved contract with United to stay at the club until at least 2021.