Jose Mourinho has sparked fresh debate around his time at Manchester United, claiming the club may owe him a bonus and a Premier League winners’ medal if Manchester City are punished for their alleged financial breaches.
Mourinho, now managing Fenerbahce, didn’t shy away from discussing his former team ahead of their Europa League clash this Thursday.
Mourinho’s United finished second behind City in the 2017/18 season, a campaign now under a cloud given City’s 115 alleged breaches of financial regulations.
The Portuguese coach believes a possible punishment could see United retroactively awarded the title.
He said: “I think we still have a chance to win that league. Maybe they [the Premier League] punish City with points, and we win that league. They have to pay me the bonus and give me the medal.:
Jose Mourinho’s subtle dig at Erik ten Hag
Mourinho also took the opportunity to comment on Erik ten Hag, United’s current manager, pointing out the difference in treatment between his own time at the club and Ten Hag’s situation.
While Mourinho was dismissed after failing to secure league success, Ten Hag has retained his job despite finishing eighth in the Premier League last season.
He added: “Now they keep faith in the coach, giving him stability and trust. That was different for me.”
It’s a statement that many view as a thinly-veiled critique of how his tenure ended compared to the support Ten Hag has received from the club.
On United’s supporters, Mourinho said: “I left with a good feeling for the club and its fans. I wish them the best.”
Mourinho ready for Man United clash
As Mourinho’s Fenerbahce prepare to host United, the former Red Devils boss stressed that the match will not be easy for his old club.
He said: “I don’t think they will rotate players, they will come full strength. If they think it’ll be easy, that’s the wrong approach.”
