Jose Mourinho would tell the fans: “I told you” about Manchester United’s situation.

José Mourinho was in charge of Manchester United from 2016 to 2018, and looking back, many of his criticisms during and after his time there seem more valid than ever.

As he gears up to face his old club with Fenerbahce in the Europa League in Istanbul, Mourinho might be tempted to throw out a cheeky “I told you so.”

It’s been almost six years since United parted ways with the Portuguese manager, following a final six months filled with conflict, divisions, and deteriorating relationships. Back then, some saw his comments about the club’s operations and players as excuses or sour grapes. But over time, many of those criticisms now feel more like hard truths that United is only just beginning to address.

With United currently facing yet another autumn crisis— their seventh in 12 years— and Erik ten Hag under immense pressure despite their recent 2-1 win over Brentford, it’s interesting to revisit some of Mourinho’s past statements in light of where the club is today. Here’s a look back at some of those moments, or as we might call it, “The Gospel According to José.”

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“Second place was one of my best achievements”

“If I tell you one of my greatest achievements was finishing second with Man Utd in the Premier League, you’ll think I’m crazy. I’ve won 25 titles, and now I’m saying that second place with United was one of my top accomplishments? But I keep saying this because people don’t know what was happening behind the scenes.” (January 17, 2019)

At the time, many laughed this off. After all, Old Trafford wasn’t a place where second place was ever good enough. Even Mourinho himself in his younger, title-winning days might have scoffed at such a claim. But, as it turns out, he had a point.

Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, no other manager has come close to Mourinho’s 81 points, 25 wins, and +40 goal difference in the 2017-18 season, where they finished second to a dominant Manchester City. With United now sitting in 11th place and struggling with a negative goal difference, it doesn’t look like anyone will be breaking that record anytime soon.

Europe’s tough reality

“We were knocked out by a team that has been more successful in Europe than Manchester United in recent years. Do you think Sevilla didn’t have players that could get into my team? Believe me, many of their players would walk into my lineup.” (After losing to Sevilla in the Champions League, March 16, 2018)

Mourinho’s 12-minute rant about United’s weak European “heritage” felt, at the time, like damage control. But fast forward five years, and United, under Ten Hag, were once again eliminated from the Europa League by Sevilla. It’s a reminder that not much has changed.

United’s record in Europe has remained inconsistent, with last season’s Champions League group stage exit being one of several examples of the club’s struggles. This season’s shaky Europa League start, with draws against Twente and Porto, only adds more pressure heading into Thursday’s game in Istanbul.

A team lacking heart

“In a squad of 11, if you don’t have six or seven players ready to step up and take responsibility, it’s tough to perform well. When I spend days working on a faster build-up only to see players hiding behind defenders, not wanting the ball, it’s frustrating. Nemanja Matic was an island of personality and desire, surrounded by a lack of class and drive.” (March 17, 2018)

Mourinho wasn’t lamenting a loss here, but rather a victory over Brighton that saw United reach the FA Cup semi-finals. His frustrations with certain players’ lack of effort resonated with many fans who have seen too many lackluster performances from United’s post-Ferguson teams.

It’s a recurring issue—players not working hard enough, shying away from responsibility, and crumbling under pressure. Unfortunately, this has plagued the club for years.

Excuses, excuses

“There are still people at the club—players and others—whom I warned about after just two months. I told United, ‘With these people, you’ll never make progress.’” (December 19, 2023)

Mourinho felt United allowed mediocrity to persist for too long, and that players who were part of the problem were given too many chances by successive managers. This created a bloated squad with too many unmotivated individuals. He also pointed out how too many excuses were made for these players, slowing their development.

Even today, Ten Hag is still battling the same issue: a team that mentally collapses at the first sign of trouble. As Mourinho put it, “If you want to build a top team, you need to grow up.”

A lack of support

“I’m a football man. Ed [Woodward, former CEO] came from a different background, and Ten Hag has the kind of support I didn’t have. There were moments when I felt if they’d trusted me and my experience, things could’ve been different.” (April 2023)

Mourinho believed that the club’s structure at the time wasn’t set up to deal with the demands of modern football. He also felt he wasn’t given the backing he needed, particularly when it came to decisions about players. One glaring example was United’s decision to keep Anthony Martial, whom Mourinho wanted gone, only for him to finally leave six years later.

This lack of support also extended to players like Paul Pogba, who was given too much influence, creating problems within the squad. In contrast, Ten Hag has been more firmly backed by the club, especially in his disputes with Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho.

The summer tour grind

“We have four or five players that are ‘dead’ because they care about the club and are pushing themselves too hard. They don’t want to leave the kids to play alone against teams like AC Milan and Real Madrid.” (July 28, 2018)

Mourinho’s complaints about United’s marathon pre-season tour of the US echoed previous criticisms from other managers. These tours prioritized commercial gains over footballing needs, leaving players exhausted. Thankfully, United seemed to have learned their lesson this year, opting for a shorter, more centrally-based tour.

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