Jose Mourinho Brutally Questions Manchester United Players After Shock Defeat

JAMES BENSON

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has taken a savage swipe at underperforming members of his squad following Friday’s 1-0 loss to Brighton.

 Man United arrived at the Amex on Friday night aware that a good performance would put them closer to securing second place.

Mourinho made six changes to his starting line-up in a bid to give some of his lesser-used stars a chance to impress ahead of the FA Cup final and subsequent World Cup.

Manchester United did not turn up though and they were made to pay when Pascal Gross headed Brighton in front in the second half.

Mourinho’s men failed to make a comeback and that allowed the Seagulls to grab the three points which secure their Premier League safety.

Jose Mourinho revealed he was far from impressed when asked about United’s performance post-match, questioning his players’ desire.

“I am disappointed,” he said. “I’m not sure every one of my players are disappointed.”

Mourinho continued his rampage, pointing at the likes of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford who came into the team to face Brighton.

“It was not good enough,” he added. “The players that replaced others did not perform at a good level and when individuals do that it is difficult for the team to play well.

“Maybe now you will not ask me why A, B and C do not play so much.

“I knew what was going to happen and I told them, but that is what we got.

“The attitude from the first minute and especially in the first half, they had more appetite.

“I did not succeed in persuading my players that getting four more points is important. It is for me, but perhaps not for them.

“I wouldn’t say disappointed. I know them. I thought that the possibility to start the game and give reason would give them something.

“You have the answer now when you ask: ‘Why always [Romelu] Lukaku?’. We are probably not as good as people think we are individually.”

United stalwart Ashley Young echoed Mourinho’s scathing assessment of his team’s showing.

“It wasn’t good enough from the first whistle to the end,” he said.

“We put pressure on them at the end, but you can’t start like that and expect to win.

“It is disappointing and we have to dust ourselves down and prepare for the next game.”

United conclude their Premier League campaign with a trip to West Ham next Wednesday and a home game against Watford the following Sunday. Mourinho will be eager them to get back to winning ways before they take on his old side, Chelsea, in the FA Cup final.

As for Brighton, boss Chris Hughton paid tribute to his players after they secured their Premier League status for next season.

“Manchester United showed the quality they’ve got. Without us putting in the work we did, we wouldn’t have got anything from the game,” Hughton said.

“We’ve had three results – against Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United, where we’ve had to put in that kind of performance – and be good with the ball too. We deserved it tonight.

“Knockaert was outstanding, not just with the ball. Against teams like this you’ve got to work as hard without possession. It’s good to see him in that kind of form.

“With Pascal Gross, what’s been important for us is he hasn’t been injured and he’s always been available for us. We’ve probably been fortunate we’ve had a lot of players available in that area of the pitch.”