Mourinho names two improvements Man Utd must make for title glory

Jose Mourinho wants his Manchester United players to improve their “inconsistent” attitudes and improve their mentality if they are to close the gap on Manchester City next season.

United boss Mourinho believes a better mental approach will further their chances of returning to the top of the Premier League next season, after Pep Guardiola’s City stormed to this term’s title.

United coasted past Bournemouth 2-0 at the Vitality Stadium on Wednesday, in the process taking a step closer to securing a second-placed finish.

Mourinho insists the Red Devils have improved this year, but he still concedes there is further ground to make up.

“The change has to be based on their attitude, their mentality,” said Mourinho of United’s players.

“This season of course was a much better season in the Premier League for us than the last one – the last one we finished sixth.

“We are quite safe now in the top four and we have a big chance to finish second, we already have more points than at the end of last season.

“But we need to be more consistent in our approach.

“I know why you win, I know why you don’t win. OK, no doubts about City’s quality, and that in any circumstances they would win this title because they are the better (team).

“I’ve spoken with my players – I think we are inconsistent. And we are inconsistent many times in our attitude.

“We didn’t lose points in the duels against direct opponents, we lost points against teams that were promoted. And we’ve lost points against teams that are probably going to be relegated.

“We were not consistent, and we’ve paid the price.”

Ander Herrera Josh King Bournemouth Manchester United

Chris Smalling and Romelu Lukaku struck to seal United’s comfortable win at Bournemouth, with Mourinho making seven changes from Sunday’s frustrating 1-0 home loss to West Brom.

The United manager then admitted he will make further changes for Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham.

“Obviously I’m going to change the team. I made changes, I gave a rest to (Nemanja) Matic and (Antonio) Valencia,” said Mourinho.

“All the players told me they are here, they want to play (on Saturday).”

 

The best United news direct to your Facebook timeline: Like our dedicated Manchester Utd Facebook page.

 

More from Planet Sport:

The curious case of Americans snubbing the Monte Carlo Masters (Tennis365)

Jack Robinson on leaving Liverpool, Suarez, Sterling and life at QPR (Planet Football)

Preview: Challenge Cup, Gloucester v Newcastle (Planet Rugby)