Manchester United legend Mourinho sends strong message to Manchester United coach concerning starting a flop player against Chelsea today.
In a charged atmosphere ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Chelsea, former boss José Mourinho has reportedly issued a stern warning to current manager Ruben Amorim. Mourinho, never one to mince words, is said to have cautioned Amorim against starting a certain player who he claims played a pivotal role in Erik ten Hag’s downfall. His blunt message: the same fate awaits if Amorim persists with this individual.
According to reports, Mourinho’s alleged remarks were as sharp as ever: “He got Ten Hag sacked and he’ll do the same to you.” He warned Amorim that the player in question is a liability, capable of derailing an entire campaign with poor performances or disruptive behavior. Although Mourinho didn’t name the individual, speculation is rife. The football world suspects he could be referring to someone like Jadon Sancho, whose attitude and public fallout with Ten Hag have drawn scrutiny; or Antony, who has struggled to justify his price tag; or even Marcus Rashford, whose inconsistency and off-pitch issues have raised eyebrows. Harry Maguire’s name has also floated around, given his rollercoaster spell at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag’s tenure initially showed promise with silverware in the form of the League Cup and FA Cup, but the 2024–25 season started disastrously, yielding just three wins in nine matches and a slide down to 14th place. His sacking after a defeat to West Ham marked the end of a tumultuous chapter. Amorim stepped in after Ruud van Nistelrooy’s short stint as interim manager, inheriting a squad still searching for identity and consistency.
Mourinho’s insight carries weight, especially given his own experience navigating the often treacherous waters of Old Trafford. Despite leading United to a Europa League and League Cup double, he too clashed with the internal politics and personalities that have long plagued the club. He claims Ten Hag received more backing than he ever did, yet still succumbed to those same internal fractures.
As Amorim prepares for a high-stakes test against a confident Chelsea side managed by Enzo Maresca, the pressure is mounting. Mourinho’s remarks have added fuel to the fire, reminding all that managing Manchester United is as much about controlling egos as it is about tactics. Amorim must decide whether to heed the warning and sideline the controversial figure or risk falling into the same trap that ended Ten Hag’s run.
The spotlight will now be on Amorim’s choices, not just for the Chelsea game but for the broader direction he takes with the squad. He’ll need to assert authority, restore unity, and make bold decisions if he hopes to steer the club back to stability. Mourinho’s message, though dramatic, serves as a serious caution—one that could shape the trajectory of Amorim’s reign at United.
