Mourinho uses Portuguese media to fire cheeky dig at Bruno Fernandes

Jose Mourinho has blasted former club Manchester United and aimed a jibe at Bruno Fernandes over the amount of penalties they have been awarded.

The Red Devils found a rich vein of form over the latter and punctuated 2019/20 season. Solskjaer’s side remained unbeaten in the Premier League since a 2-0 home defeat to Burnley on January 22 – form which secured a third-placed finish.

That will bring with it a return to the Champions League next season – and a guaranteed £120m windfall.

A big part of their revival has been the astonishing form shown by Fernandes. Since arriving in an initial £46.6m deal, Fernandes has netted eight goals and added a further seven assists.

Fernandes was on target at Leicester from the penalty spot on the final day. The Portuguese star tucked home their 14th spot-kick of the season.

And seemingly their apparent favouritism from referees has drawn a sly dig from their former boss Mourinho.

Speaking to Record, Mourinho said: “Bruno came in, he was fit, played very well and improved the United team.

“He also proved to be a great penalty taker, one of the best in the world, because he had about 20 to score!”

It’s the second time Mourinho has launched a pop at United over the amount of penalties they have been awarded.

Speaking during the season, Mourinho was asked to compare Tottenham’s attack to the options Manchester United have.

The Spurs boss simply said: “United’s 13 penalties is a help. It’s a help!”

Mourinho drops Tottenham transfer hint

While United brought Champions League football back to Old Trafford, Mourinho guided Tottenham into the Europa League.

Although a step down from previous years, Mourinho hailed his side’s efforts this season.

However, he admitted he is looking to strengthen his squad this summer.

“What we can do of course is improve,” he said.

“When all the players are available we showed in this last period where we belong. I don’t know, maybe in this period, after lockdown, we finished third or fourth in the table.

“So that’s where we belong. I want to have my team, my players, not a medical room full of players. I want a pitch full of players.

“Of course as a squad, the main thing is to keep our very good players and after that improve the squad.

“Are we going to buy 10 players? No. Are we going to buy players for £100m? No. We are going to improve.

“I enjoy working with Steve (Hitchen – Spurs’ chief scout) in this organisation.

“We are very connected with (chairman) Mr (Daniel) Levy and the board and we’re going to do what is possible to do. Hopefully next season we can give it to the fans a very good season.”

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