New Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has revealed Ryan Giggs coveted his job prior to the Welshman’s departure from Old Trafford.
The 53-year-old, speaking at his official unveiling, insisted it was not his fault that the United legend had left, adding that he would welcome him back in the future.
“Ryan (Giggs) wanted my job,” he said. “The club gave it to me. He wants to be a manager. It’s his decision. He could have been anything at club. It’s not my responsibility.
“He was brave. He was honest so good luck to him. If he wants to come back when I’m here, I always say yes.”
Mourinho also responded to accusations he neglected youth players, claiming he could provide a list of 49 players promoted from the academy under his stewardship.
“One lie repeated many times,” he said. “I have promoted 49 players from the academies. We are talking about big names.”
He also outlined his intentions of a fourth major signing long before the transfer window closes on August 31, rumoured to be either Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, a product of United’s youth system, or PSG’s Blaise Matuidi.
United have already announced the signings of Eric Bailly and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, while Mourinho practically confirmed a deal for Henrikh Mkhitaryan at the press conference at Carrington.
“When we get the fourth signing, then I can breathe. But we don’t go to 31st August. We want to do it before then.”
However, he admitted his frustration at being unable to challenge Sir Alex Ferguson’s record of most dugout appearances in the Champions League next season.
He will have to settle for the Europa League after United finished fifth in the Premier League last season, but he immediately signalled his intention of bringing success back to Old Trafford, saying it was in his nature.
“I feel frustrated I’m not playing in the Champions League. I don’t hide that I chase Sir Alex’s record of most matches in the Champions League,” Mourinho added
Source: Wires
