Jose Mourinho spoke about Ruben Amorim’s difficulties (Image: Getty)
Jose Mourinho has reacted to ’s struggles before commenting on ’s controversial redundancies at Old Trafford. , currently in charge of Fenerbahce, is gearing up to in the round of 16 first leg.
His former club, United, are still in the competition, meaning he could face them in the semi-finals if both clubs progress to that point. ‘The Special One’ managed the Red Devils between May 2016 and December 2018, winning the EFL Cup and the Europa League before the . Yet, Mourinho insists he holds no resentment towards the club under a different board.
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Ahead of the clash with Rangers, the Portuguese tactician was asked about the difficulties his compatriot Amorim is now facing at the helm at United. He admitted he had not spoken to Amorim, who he helped tutor as a young coach, since he took the United job in November – aside from Christmas greetings.
But Mourinho also said he was not enjoying watching Amorim’s tough season play out, with the manager losing nine of his 24 matches in charge while his side are in the bottom half of the table. Mourinho said: “He’s a good kid. Always very respectful to me. We had a good relationship for a few years. He knows I wish him well.”
Mourinho was also asked for his thoughts on what is going on at the top of the club regarding United co-owner Ratcliffe’s brutal cost-cutting measures. Around 250 members of staff were made redundant last autumn in a bid to “return the club to profitability”, while 150-200 more job cuts are reportedly being planned.
Amorim has endured a nightmare spell in charge of Manchester United (Image: Getty)
“To be honest, I don’t know much about what’s happening,” the Fenerbahce boss said. “I know . I’m not saying we are big friends, but we have a good relationship. I know him well.
“He invited me to his house a couple of times. I see him as a good person and a great businessman. Of course, I feel for some of the people that I know [losing their jobs], but hopefully it goes in the right direction.”
Mourinho also faces the possibility of meeting his other former clubs, Roma, in the quarter-finals, and in the final of the Europa League. Yet the two-time Champions League winner played down the idea of him being motivated by a potential revenge tour.
He added: “In my mind, I never feel about revenge. I never have that feeling because when I leave a club, I prefer to remember my good times at the club.”