Football
Arindam Rej, Man United Correspondent 7y

Man United's Jose Mourinho: Old Trafford job is different challenge

Jose Mourinho has said the challenge at Manchester United is not like any he has previously faced in his managerial career.

Although the United manager has been at clubs looking to end spells without a title, he believes the demands at Old Trafford are more complex.

"When I went to Real Madrid, they had gone 25 years without a Spanish Cup and lots of years without a championship," he told reporters.

"Inter Milan were 50 years without a Champions League.

"Those jobs were hard but at United, from a tactical point of view, I have never had so many contradictions before in my career.

"I am having to take the team in a totally different direction from the previous manager -- and that is not a criticism of him.

"But I am ready for it. It is good fun, and I am very happy to do it."

Mourinho's predecessor Louis van Gaal was criticised by sections of United's support for his cautious style, in which efforts on goal were at a premium.

The Portuguese has improved that aspect but United have struggled to produce victories consistently, leaving them seventh in the Premier League ahead of the game at Everton on Sunday.

Mourinho added: "One of the items that belongs to my job is to build for the future with a certain DNA and a certain style.

"There are other items as well, related to results, objectives and certain targets. So, I would not be just happy with playing good football."

He said he felt his team should be higher in the table, adding: "We have lost eight points at home that we did not deserve to lose and, if we had won those games, I think we would be third.

"So yes, I think we are in a false position."

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