Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho did not speak to the media after beating Crystal Palace. But after a comfortable win over Crystal Palace, he did not take part in a lap of appreciation. The Special One handed debuts to five young players and gave most of his stars the day off to prepare for Wednesday’s Europa League final. And he refused to carry out many of the usual post-match media duties. Sources in the tunnel at Old Trafford said he had left the stadium by 5.10pm — less than 20 minutes after the whistle. Mourinho said in his programme notes he was unhappy with things said in the media. Liverpool legend Graeme Souness had questioned the United manager constantly bringing up how tired his players are.
Jose Mourinho gave an incredibly short interview with MUTV, shunned Manchester United’s lap of appreciation at Old Trafford and cut his post-match press conference short following his side’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace. The Portuguese coach named an inexperienced side for their final game of the season. With four youngsters handed their full debuts it was Manchester United’s youngest ever side in the Premier League.
They didn’t let him down, winning 2-0 with the goals coming from Josh Harrop and Paul Pogba. The result however was pretty meaningless with Manchester United already certain to finish sixth whatever happened. The team selection highlighted Mourinho’s focus on Wednesday’s Europa League final against Ajax and that only became more apparent after the match. In an interview with MUTV, Manchester United’s in-house channel, he made it clear he didn’t want to waste time talking to them. ‘Don’t ask me too many things because now I am in a final. Let me go home, I’m in a final now,’ he said. Asked if he knew his team for Wednesday’s game he said: ‘I know, but let me go. I’m in a final now,’ before walking off.
Mourinho’s post-match press conference was even shorter. Having opted not to take part in the lap of appreciation around Old Trafford he went straight to speak to the media. However most journalists were not in attendance as they were watching the players on the pitch and the room was nearly empty. He sat down and when no questions were put to him he said ‘good’ before getting up and saying ‘bye guys’ and leaving the room.
Wednesday’s match is crucial for Manchester United with victory not only delivering the Europa League trophy but also a place in next season’s Champions League.
