Criticism of Manchester United tactics is my own fault — I've been too successful, claims Jose Mourinho

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.
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“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.

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