Jose Mourinho takes thinly-veiled swipe at Solskjaer with “disaster” claim

Jose Mourinho has hit back at claims his tenure at Old Trafford was a failure as he points to the three trophies he won as Manchester United boss – taking aim at Solskjaer in the process

Jose Mourinho has taken aim at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s lack of silverware at Manchester United by claiming “what’s a disaster for me is considered as a great success for others.”

The Portuguese manager was relieved of his duties at Tottenham last season a matter of days before their Carabao Cup Final despite leading them all the way to Wembley.

Ryan Mason would take over as caretaker boss as Spurs’ barren trophy run would continue with a defeat against Manchester City.

Prior to that, Mourinho suffered the same fate at Old Trafford in December 2018 as the former Chelsea boss’s tenure was widely criticised even though he had won three titles at United, including a Europa League.

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Man Utd haven’t won any trophies since that 2-0 win over Ajax in Stockholm in 2017 and Mourinho has aimed a subtle dig at Solskjaer as he reckons what he is vilified for is seen as a success for other managers.

He said: “I won three trophies at Manchester United and that was seen as a disaster. I reached a [League Cup] final, which I was not allowed to play at Tottenham and that was seen as a disaster. What’s a disaster for me is considered as a great success for others.

“In my last three clubs, I won the title at Chelsea, three cups at United, a final at Tottenham, we arrived sixth, reaching the Europa League.

“What’s considered a disaster for me, it’s something that others have never achieved – it’s my fault.

“I’m a victim for what I’ve done in the past.”

Mourinho has returned to Italy this season as Roma’s new boss as he takes over from Paulo Fonseca who was sacked at the end of the previous campaign.

The Italian side finished outside the top six for the first time since 2011/12 as Mourinho looks to help them bounce back from a disappointing year.

And the former Porto manager has outlined the need for players to embrace his principles at his official unveiling.

He added: “We must never forget our past, but we must build the future, a sustainable situation over the years but with great passion. Now it’s time to work, even with my men

“The first steps to change mentality? I need to know the group. There are non-negotiable principles, the way to work is simple. It is something that concerns all of us at the club, not just the players.

“The next is always the most important challenge of my career. So now it’s Roma. If Serie A is not seen abroad as a big league, it is our fault and we need to do something more”.