Jose Mourinho was openly critical of Luke Shaw and Chris Smalling after last night’s game against Swansea, and his treatment of the pair has been heavily debated.
Both Smalling and Shaw were left out of the matchday squad, with injuries, and Mourinho was forced to play a makeshift defence against the Welsh club.
After the game, Mourinho aimed digs at the duo, saying :
“I have friends from other sports, playing at the highest level. How many times do they play when they are not 100 per cent?
“To compete, you have to work to the limits. It is a cultural thing, for some. But that’s not my culture.”
When asked directly whether Smalling and Shaw have to change to play for him, Mourinho said :
“Exactly, but more than me, Man United. More than me, Man United.”
Many have been critical of Mourinho’s comments, and many have backed him. For more on our opinion on this, go here.
Twitter obviously had it’s own opinion as well, with many supporting the Manchester United manager :
Imagine feeling sorry for the players singled out by Mourinho. Underachieving, lazy, slapped arses who have got away with it for three years
— Dan (@mufc_dan87) November 7, 2016
United fans would run through brick walls to play for the club! Mourinho is 100% right to name & shame the players that won't #MUFC
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) November 7, 2016
Last thought of the night. It's great to see Mourinho start to tackle the mentality problems at United. He's spot on in his comments.
— Alistair Fergusson (@Fergie1975) November 6, 2016
Mourinho is 100% right in what he's saying. If you're soft physically & mentally you're not what Utd need.
— Pilib de Brún (@Malachians) November 6, 2016
Mourinho is absolutely spot on to criticise the Man Utd squad, they fully deserve every bit of it after the lack of passion shown by them
— Ross (@ManUttdf) November 7, 2016
I'm glad the manager has decided not to let certain players hide like they were with Lvg so if Mourinho puts them on blast so be it
— bizzle85 (@IanSimp07314010) November 7, 2016
Behind Mourinho 100%,picking the team and motivating the players to perform,that's his job. Like SAF days, the team>any player always! #MUFC
— ashish sharma (@ashish7sharma) November 7, 2016
This was a divisive issue however, with many criticising Mourinho for his handling of the duo :
It's like Mourinho has learnt nothing from KDB, Lukaku saga. Maybe "confrantational leadership" style doesn't work with this generation
— Mpho (@Mphoza428) November 7, 2016
I do not support Mourinho in his taking internal club issues to the press. That is not befitting for a United manager.
— eddy (@ediological) November 7, 2016
Mourinho always says the wrong things. Breeding negativity. I hope it carries on ?
— Andy Hall (@Andy_Hall89) November 7, 2016
Mourinho is always on the news for the wrong reasons ?
— Musa 2.1 (@Musa_Souled) November 6, 2016
Slating Shaw after snubbing Chelski and fighting back from a broken leg is ridiculous from Mourinho. I like JM but he's a prick sometimes.
— TriggeRed. (@jonmikesav8) November 7, 2016
Smalling will not ever be the world-class CB #mufc need. But we need to be very, very careful with Shaw. Mourinho cannot isolate him.
— Matthew Law (@MLAW29) November 7, 2016
Lmao Mourinho wanted Smalling & Shaw to play even though they told him that they were not fit??
— Tumi (@tumza_45) November 7, 2016
Mourinho needs to stop getting at Shaw in public.
— Nonso Nwakeze (@itsNonso) November 7, 2016
Is Jose Mourinho trying to force Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw out of Man Utd,?
— sidi (@ghas01) November 7, 2016
I think Luke Shaw and Chris Smalling need to ask Lukaku, De Bruyne, Schurrle and Mata if they think a Mourinho snub is bad news.
— Ant (@antastico) November 7, 2016
