Jose Mourinho reflects on disparity during Manchester United tenure

Jose Mourinho has reignited a debate about his time at Manchester United. He recently claimed he didn't receive the same level of backing from the club as the current manager, Erik ten Hag.

Taking the reigns in 2016, Mourinho brought immediate success. He secured the Europa League and Carabao Cup in his first season, trophies United craved after Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement. The following year, they finished second in the Premier League. These weren't insignificant achievements, especially considering the post-Ferguson struggles.

However, cracks began to show. Mourinho's pragmatic style, often prioritizing defensive solidity over attacking flair, divided fans. Public criticism of players and a strained relationship with executives like Ed Woodward cast a shadow. Woodward, with a background in finance rather than football, wasn't always on the same page regarding transfers. Mourinho felt the club didn't share his vision for long-term rebuilding, hindering his ability to compete with Manchester City's financial muscle.

"I didn't have that level of support"

"My relationship with Ed Woodward was good -good as in the personal point of view. But from a professional point of view, it was not the best. I am who I am. I am a football man. Ed comes from a different background and what Ten Hag has in his time at Manchester United I didn't have. I didn't have that level of support. I didn't have that level of trust," he said whilst speaking to The Telegraph.

There's some truth to Mourinho's claim. Ten Hag, appointed in 2022, seems to enjoy a more collaborative approach with the current management. The club appears more patient, perhaps having learned lessons from Mourinho's turbulent period. They haven't achieved trophies yet, but there's a sense of rebuilding and a focus on long-term development.

However, Mourinho's struggles in the second half of his tenure can't be ignored. A decline in results and a breakdown in player relationships ultimately led to his dismissal. Despite his claims, Mourinho isn't without achievements at United. He delivered trophies and briefly restored some glory days. However, his time also highlighted the challenges of replicating Ferguson's success and the importance of a unified club vision.