Ashley Young opens up about Jose Mourinho’s “disappointing” reign at Manchester United

Ashley Young reflects on Jose Mourinho's time at Manchester United, highlighting initial excitement followed by disappointment due to a playing style that didn't align with the club's ethos.

Chirag

May 7, 2024

Ashley Young Talks About Jose Mourinho's Time At Man Utd — Kieran Galvin/NurPhoto via Getty Images

During his appearance on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, Ashley Young reflected on Jose Mourinho’s tenure at Old Trafford, spanning from the summer of 2016 to December 2018. The full-back acknowledged that despite the initial excitement surrounding Mourinho’s appointment, the reality didn’t live up to expectations, particularly concerning the style of football he implemented.

Young noted that Mourinho’s playing style didn’t align with Manchester United’s traditional ethos, a sentiment echoed by fans and pundits throughout his time at the club. However, he conceded that the players could have been more proactive in adapting to Mourinho’s tactics and showing greater effort on the field.

Expressing his disappointment, Young stated, “I think everyone was really excited about Jose coming in. When you see what he did in his career you thought this is an appointment that could have happened years prior to when it did. I say a little disappointing, as to what was to come.”

He further commented on the disconnect between Mourinho’s style and Manchester United’s footballing identity, saying, “You knew Jose from the Chelsea days and then he went to Real and then he’s come back and you see the style of football that’s being played. I don’t think it was a style of football that suited the Manchester United way.”

Regarding discussions among players about Mourinho’s tactics, Young confirmed, “Yeah of course players always talk and even then us as players we could have taken it on a bit more. I think there was too much surrounding the club and at times there were players who had been brought under the boss (Ferguson) it was sink or swim. And it was difficult times where I don’t think players gave as much as they could.”

Mourinho’s departure from Manchester United in December 2018 came amid disappointing results and reported discord within the squad. Despite winning the Carabao Cup and Europa League during his tenure, Mourinho’s subsequent managerial spells at Tottenham Hotspur and AS Roma haven’t matched his earlier successes. However, reports suggest he’s keen on returning to Old Trafford to replace the embattled manager Erik ten Hag.