Mourinho blames pressure for United’s struggles

José Mourinho has questioned the ability of Manchester United’s players to handle the pressure in the aftermath of straight defeats to Manchester City, Feyenoord and Watford. Speaking after United were downed 3-1 by the Hornets at Vicarage Road on Sunday, Mourinho said, per the Guardian:

“I was completely aware that we were not the perfect team, that we had lots of players who are not end products and can make their own mistakes. My only doubt was the way they can cope with the negative moments that come sooner or later. I feel that some individuals probably feel too much pressure and that responsibility.

“But from a collective point of view, I only have good things to say about them. If you analyse our three defeats in the last week, we were always the best team in the second half. We didn’t start well today but then in the second half the players showed quality, intensity, desire, commitment and ambition. And we lost again in our best moment.”

After a small grumble about refereeing, Mourinho did accept responsibility for the worrying downturn in United’s form, adding: “We have to improve, no doubt, individually and collectively. And that’s my job because lady luck you don’t control and referees mistakes you don’t control.” Let’s hope the improvement comes sooner rather than later ...