Mourinho risks the wrath of Man Utd fans once again

Jose Mourinho has criticised Manchester United fans for the third time in four days after Saturday’s narrow 1-0 win over Tottenham at Old Trafford.

The United boss was incensed at the barracking he received when he took off Marcus Rashford for eventual matchwinner Anthony Martial and said after the game: “They [fans] pay the ticket they can do what they want.

“They can boo a player that doesn’t deserve to be booed, they can boo a player who is working like an animal, even though the game is not going in his direction.

“They can boo – they pay their tickets, they can boo the manager.”

Mourinho’s decision was vindicated as Romelu Lukaku and Martial combined to score the only goal of the game and earn United a vital three points.

He used his press conference ahead of Tuesday night’s clash with Benfica to defend the Belgian against the catcalls from the Old Trafford crowd.

“Playing football for a striker isn’t just about scoring goals. So for me he is untouchable in my team and I think he should be untouchable in support from the fans.

“Fans, they pay the ticket and do what they want. But as a manager I feel a duty to protect my players when I feel they deserve it.”

And now, in his programme notes for the game against Benfica, he has seemingly made the point again, saying: “I hope that you enjoy the game more than some of you did against Tottenham.”

Will he ever learn!