Paul Scholes launched an extraordinary attack on Jose Mourinho on Tuesday night, stating he was surprised the Manchester United manager had not yet been sacked and accusing him of ‘embarrassing’ the club.
Mourinho is battling to save his job after United’s worst start to a season in 29 years, having publicly criticised his players and the club’s hierarchy.
But former Old Trafford midfielder Scholes believes Mourinho should have been axed after Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at West Ham, saying: ‘I am sat here actually surprised he survived after Saturday, the performance was that bad. He’s constantly having a go at players. He’s having a go at those above him because he’s not getting what he wants. I think his mouth is probably out of control and I think he’s embarrassing the club.’
Scholes’s former United teammate Rio Ferdinand also told BT Sport Mourinho should take ultimate responsibility for United’s problems.
‘There’s not a work ethic,’ said Ferdinand. ‘The attitude doesn’t seem right. No one’s said about not going out there to win - people want to win football matches.
‘Football’s not easy, you have to work hard. That comes from and is driven by one person at the top, the manager. It falls at his feet.’
Mourinho repeated his call for the players to give more effort in the match programme, writing: ‘The crest on the chest is more important than the name on the back of the shirt.’
Speaking pre-game, he added: ‘From the supporters I cannot ask for any more. I think it’s time for the people on the pitch to show they love the club as much as the fans.’
However, the Portuguese coach insisted that he did not need any reassurances form United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward over his future.
‘I don’t need a nice SMS,’ he said. ‘I don’t need a tap on my shoulder and I have my contract until the June of 2020.
‘I think the responsibility of the good and the bad moments have to be shared by many and I don’t need a word of support or a hug. I don’t need anything.’
Daily Mail