Jose Mourinho's first press conference as Manchester United manager is in progress at the time of writing. Past experience tells us that his press conferences are far more exciting than his teams (far more exciting than most teams in fairness).
What do we know so far...
Well, his mood hasn't softened towards Arsene Wenger. The bullying will continue.
There are some managers the last time they won a title was 10 years ago. Some never have. The last time I did was a year ago.
He outlined his philosophy. Pragmatic is the word. He remains a Roundhead.
Score more goals...
Make fans proud...
Play young players...
Live stream: https://t.co/VabDp7aCljhttps://t.co/0soOuHjdeR— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) July 5, 2016
He added that he's coveted this job for a long time. It's the job the whole managerial world wants.
Mourinho: "It's the job that everybody wants..."
Live stream here: https://t.co/nlzHPv94DV https://t.co/FTHlBHTIbe— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) July 5, 2016
Jose Mourinho’s press conference is under way. You can now watch it live on #MUTVHD. #mufc https://t.co/dciyTT5TxN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 5, 2016
One member of the press corps asked him about his alleged reluctance to promote younger players, a touchy subject in the club that prides itself on producing its own talent.
Mourinho initially said he did not have enough time to answer the question. After clarifying that he did, he pulled out a sheet of paper - rather in the manner of Rafa Benitez in 2009 - and said that he had promoted no fewer than 49 players from academies down the years. The claim that he does not promote youngsters is a 'lie'.
His answer here is already exercising fact-checkers.
Asked about youth record, Mourinho gets out piece of paper. Says he's promoted 49 players from yth academies -- a "lie" that he ignores kids
— Oliver Kay (@OliverKayTimes) July 5, 2016
On the Ryan Giggs question, Mourinho said Giggs's departure was little to do with him. Giggs, he said, was determined to leave the club once he wasn't offered the manager's job. Giggs wants to be numero uno and that's that. He will leave to gain managerial experience elsewhere.
It's not my responsibility he is not now in the club. The job that Ryan wanted is the job that the club decided to give me. Ryan wanted to be the manager. For whatever reason, you'll have to ask the board or Mr. Woodward, the club decided to give to me. Ryan wants to be a manager. He could be what he wanted to be in the club. He made a decision.
Mourinho on Giggs' #MUFC departure....
"It's not my fault."
Live stream: https://t.co/pAYKVnJWr2 https://t.co/G7zAlFpJoP— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) July 5, 2016
He said he will definitely not be deploying Wayne Rooney in central midfield. He conceded that Rooney may not be an out-and-out goalscorer anymore but he will still be used high up the pitch.
Maybe, he's not a striker anymore... But with me, he will not be a no.6. He will never be playing 50 metres from goal. Yes, his pass is amazing. But my pass is amazing when there is no pressure. But to be there and put the ball in the net is the most difficult thing to find. Maybe, he is not a no.9. But he will be a 10, a 9 and a half. Not a 6 and not even an 8.
A typical moment of cavalier charm. Effectively revealing that the third signing is imminent. Though, this is presumably Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
It's safe to say a 3rd signing is imminent at #MUFC...
Live stream: https://t.co/0pOCDbjUCh https://t.co/ZPlZTc7VD8— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) July 5, 2016
