Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho discussed the club in a wide-ranging interview
Comments
Sport
Head coach Jose Mourinho of Fenerbahce looks on
Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has given his thoughts on Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ruben Amorim
(Image: Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho says that while he feels for former colleagues possibly losing their jobs at Manchester United, he sees part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe as a 'good person and great businessman'.
Late last month, United chiefs released a statement confirming there may be another round of job cuts to come, stated to be 'approximately 150-200'. This is to add to the 250 that were let go in autumn 2024, as it is the mission of Ratcliffe and owners INEOS to strengthen financial stability after losing £300m over the past three years.
A number of staff at risk might have been around long enough to help play a part in the Mourinho era of 2016 through 2018, during which the club won the League Cup and Europa League, and so the former boss was asked by Sky Sports for his opinion on events at Old Trafford.
READ MORE: 'Proud' - Manchester United striker signs new contractREAD MORE: Real Sociedad star set for Man United transfer audition - and it's not Martin Zubimendi
"To be honest I don't know much about what is happening," he said. "I know Sir Ratcliffe and I'm not saying we're big friends but we have a good relation.
"I know him well, he invited me to his house a couple of times. I see him as a good person and a great businessman.
"I don't know why that is happening. Of course I feel for some of the people that I know but hopefully it goes in the right direction."
Since leaving United, the 62-year-old has taken a path through Tottenham Hotspur, AS Roma and currently Fenerbahce. With the Turkish side, there is a chance he comes up against his former side in the Europa League semi-finals later this season.
With that, he would have a battle with Ruben Amorim, who was mentored to become a coach by Mourinho while on an internship at the club he now manages.
Asked if the pair have spoken in recent months due to their close bond, Mourinho replied: "No, since he took the job Christmas, Christmas wishes.
"He has no time, I have no time. He is independent, I have my job to do. No more than that. But, he knows that I wish him well."