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Man Utd ‘a closed chapter’, says Mourinho ahead of Old Trafford return
LONDON, Dec 3, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Jose Mourinho says his time at Manchester
United is “a closed chapter” and he is only interested in beating them when
he takes his in-form Tottenham side to Old Trafford on Wednesday.
It is the new Tottenham manager’s first return to the touchline at
United’s home ground since his sacking by the club last December.
“This is a closed chapter for me,” said Mourinho, who has won all three of
his matches in charge of Spurs. “I left the club, I took my time to process
everything that happened, I took my time to prepare myself for the next
challenge.
“Honestly, United for me is in my book of experiences, it’s in my history
book.”
United are struggling under Mourinho’s successor, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer,
but go into the game just two points behind fifth-placed Spurs.
“It is not for me to analyse United now,” Mourinho said at his pre-match
press conference. “I analyse them as an opponent, how they play. How can we
beat them? How can they beat us? For me that is the important thing.”
Mourinho is excited about the prospect of returning to Old Trafford.
He said: “I feel good, I like to play big matches, I like to play against
the best teams and go back to a place where I was happy.
“I have a great relationship with the Manchester United supporters. I went
back as a pundit and I was humbled by such a beautiful reception.
“Tomorrow I go back as the coach of the team that will try and beat
Manchester United.
“I understand that what they want is the exact opposite of what I want. Of
course during the match I expect them to forget me.”
Reports say Spurs midfielder Christian Eriksen has refused to sign a new
deal with the club, while there has been speculation over the futures of
Belgian defenders Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen.
Mourinho said he was speaking with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy about the
contract issues but refused to be drawn on the details.
“I’m not going to discuss these individual things,” he said. “If I tell
you that I didn’t speak with Mr (Daniel) Levy about Eriksen, Alderweireld and
Vertonghen, I would be lying. So, yes I’m speaking with Mr Levy about it.”
“The important thing, really, is (they are) great professionals, big
relationship with Tottenham, amazing understanding of what the club is and
what we need from them,” he added.
“So, all three ready to play, all three ready to forget the contractual
situation.”
BSS/AFP/BZC/1900HRS