Jose Mourinho has never been one to shy away from controversy, and his latest comments once again underscore his unique style.
Speaking ahead of Fenerbahce’s Europa League clash against Manchester United, the former Red Devils boss mischievously hinted that he could still become a Premier League champion with United if Manchester City were retroactively docked points due to Financial Fair Play (FFP) breaches.
Manchester City currently face 115 charges related to violations of Premier League financial regulations, sparking speculation that the reigning champions could face severe penalties, including potential point deductions or even being stripped of past titles.
The charges, if proven, could have far-reaching implications for the Premier League standings of previous seasons, including Mourinho’s tenure at United.
Reflecting on the 2017-18 season, where his Manchester United side finished second, a distant 19 points behind Pep Guardiola’s dominant City, Mourinho could not resist a playful comment:
“We finished second in the Premier League,” he remarked during the press conference.
“I think we still have a chance to win that league because maybe they punish Man City with points and maybe we win that league, and they have to pay me the bonus and give me the medal.”
Although clearly tongue-in-cheek, Mourinho’s quip speaks to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Manchester City’s situation, with potential historical ramifications if the charges lead to significant sanctions.
However, Mourinho’s humor also reflects the sense of unfinished business from his time at Old Trafford, where despite winning the Europa League and Carabao Cup, he was sacked in December 2018 after a series of poor results.
Mourinho, now head coach at Fenerbahce, also addressed the current state of Manchester United, acknowledging the struggles of Erik ten Hag’s side this season.
United sit 12th in the Premier League table, having won just three of their opening eight matches, and they have yet to claim victory in the Europa League.
However, Mourinho expressed optimism for the future of his former club.
“Having analysed them with my team, there is work there, and they will succeed sooner or later,” Mourinho said.
“I want them to be successful. I wish the best for the coach and players. If things are not going amazingly well for them, it’s not something that makes me happy.”
United’s struggles have been a source of frustration for their fans, particularly in Europe, where the team has managed just one win in their last nine matches.
However, Mourinho believes that the current squad has the potential to turn things around, suggesting that their results are not reflective of the quality within the team.
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“They have a better team than the results are showing,” he observed.
“I believe United can win the Europa League.
If I have to say now who are the two biggest candidates to win the Europa League, I think it’s easy. I would say Manchester United and Tottenham.”
Mourinho praised United’s backing of current manager Ten Hag, noting that the club’s faith in the Dutchman is a sign of stability.
Since taking over in April 2022, Ten Hag has delivered two domestic trophies—the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup—and despite the rough start to this season, Mourinho sees United’s commitment to the coach as a positive sign.
“They keep faith in the coach,” Mourinho said of United’s support for Ten Hag.
“They support the coach, the coach is staying season after season, and that means stability, it means trust.”
During his own tenure at Manchester United from 2016 to 2018, Mourinho often found himself at odds with the club’s hierarchy and was dismissed when United were 11 points adrift of the Champions League places.
Comparing his time at the club to Ten Hag’s, Mourinho pointed out the difference in support:
“They are giving him [Ten Hag] conditions to keep developing his job. That was a difference in relation to me.”
Despite the difficulties during his spell at Old Trafford, Mourinho’s affection for the club remains evident.
His playful comments about potentially being awarded a Premier League medal may have been light-hearted, but his respect for United’s legacy and hope for their future success were sincere.
As Mourinho prepares his Fenerbahce side to face United, the former manager remains as captivating and unpredictable as ever, mixing humor with keen football insight.
Whether or not City’s financial woes lead to retroactive consequences, Mourinho’s ability to stir the conversation is undeniable.
