“Any club in England from the bottom of the table needs a coach?” - Jose Mourinho aims cheeky dig at UEFA following red card against Manchester United
Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has aimed a dig at UEFA following the 1-1 draw against Manchester United on Thursday (October 24) in the Europa League. The Red Devils took the lead in the 15th minute through Christian Eriksen at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, but Youssef En-Nesyri equalized in the 49th minute for the hosts.
Manuel Ugarte then brought down Bright Osayi-Samuel in the box and Mourinho was livid when referee Clement Turpin didn't award a penalty. The Portuguese manager's reaction ultimately saw him receive his marching orders.
Speaking after the game, Mourinho sarcastically said when he leaves Fenerbahce, he should join a club that doesn't play in UEFA competitions.
“I think the best thing I have to do is when I leave Fenerbahce, I go to a club that does not play UEFA competitions. If any club in England from the bottom of the table needs a coach in two years, I am ready to go. I don’t want to say anything more about it. I want to speak about the game, we played absolutely fantastic against a team, in theory, from a superior level,” Mourinho said (via The Daily Mail).
He continued:
“If I appeal, I will get six months' ban, so there is nothing to do. Since Sevilla-Roma final, there is nothing to do. It is what it is. That's why I say if the future is maybe better without European competitions, so I don't get upset. It is what it is. At 100mph, he had one eye on the penalty situation… and one eye on my behaviour. That’s why he’s one of the best referees in the world.”
Manchester United are currently 21st on the Europa League table this season, with three draws in three games.
Can Manchester United qualify for the knockouts of the UEFA Europa League?
Manchester United are in danger of missing out on a place in the Europa League knockouts. The new format of the tournament, however, means that the Red Devils will have the opportunity to turn this around.
The top eight teams in the table will automatically qualify for the knockouts. At this point, it looks unlikely that Manchester United will finish in the top eight.
Teams from ninth and 24th on the table will play in a knockout playoff round that will determine the rest of the participants. The Red Devils could be in the mix for the knockouts, provided they start picking up wins soon.
Manchester United have struggled under Erik ten Hag this season, so the Dutchman also needs to get his act together soon if he wants to save his job. The Red Devils next face West Ham United on Sunday (October 27) in the Premier League.