Mourinho has been on a charm offensive aimed in the direction of
Old Trafford in recent weeks - regarded by some as an early application for a
managerial vacancy that may yet be some years in becoming available
- but this was an assessment made via a clinical analysis
rather than platitudes.
Ironically, it was delivered after a performance that could hardly
be ranked among United's vintage European efforts.
Well, I don’t know what he had done to upset the
natives but he got mugged the moment he walked through the front
door last night.
Not quite the welcome he was expecting. In fact, it
took just four minutes for Nemanja Vidic to head United into the
lead and unleash a torrent of pent-up abuse from the
terraces.
No wonder the former Chelsea boss claimed Vidic should
have been banned from both legs of this Champions League tie after
the Serbian was sent off in Tokyo.
Alex Ferguson and Manchester United fans have suffered
enough at Mourinho’s hands — just one victory in 13 games until
last night.
So when Vidic powered home Ryan Giggs’ corner, they let
rip.
“Sit down Mourinho” turned into “F*** off, Mourinho”
before settling on what the Stretford End considered was the more
appropriate “You’re not special any more.” Yet Mourinho, typically,
was unfazed. Ignoring all the insults.
The last words, naturally, have to go to Mourinho. What
did HE make of it. Acknowledging his own unpopularity in his
newly-adopted country, he said: “All of Italy will be pleased Inter
are out. But I don’t care, I know I won.”
Of course you did, Jose. Now just lie down here for a
moment . . .
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