Matic defends under-fire Mourinho

Nemanja Matic has described Jose Mourinho as ‘one of the best managers in the world’ as he comes out in defence of his under-fire manager, claiming that Manchester United can still compete for the title.

Mourinho has come under significant pressure in recent weeks after Manchester United lost two of their opening three Premier League games, including a shock 3-2 defeat to Brighton.

There was speculation that he could even have been sacked if United would have lost at Turf Moor on Sunday, but the Red Devils ran out comfortable 2-0 winners, despite having to play the last 20 minutes of the game with just 10 men.

Speaking to reporters while on international duty, former Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic has offered his support to his Portuguese boss, even claiming that his headline-grabbing press conferences are all part of a plan to protect the players:

“He was very confident before the game he prepared the game in a very good way.

“We knew where they could cause us problems with the long balls, that is why [Marouane] Fellaini played close to our defence, to stop the long balls and I think this performance shows that how we need to play football and we still can compete for the title.

“Of course, he knows what he is doing [in press conferences] for sure. You probably know that also. It’s good for us also.


“He is one of the best managers in the world, you know what he won in his career so that shows you everything.”