Jose Mourinho believes in having his players well rested ahead of crucial games. So it was little surprise that the Manchester United coach gave his squad members a day off yesterday to help them stay fresh for the crucial Premier League clash with Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.
But they were back in training today and will have been well drilled by the Red Devils boss ahead of the game against Jurgen Klopp’s high-flyers.
The period of rest came after United chalked up a 2-0 win Hull in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg on Tuesday thanks to second half goals from Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini.
But as well as the players, Mourinho has a message for the supporters attending the match — and in essence the Portuguese has implored the fans to act as the 12th man when United come up against their fierce rivals from along the East Lancs Road.
He said:
“I always think that we are responsible for the fans’ participation in the game. It’s our responsibility. If we play very, very well or, if we play very enthusiastically, the fans come to the pitch and they play with us. When we don’t play so well or with so much emotion and intensity, it’s normal that the fans relax a little bit.”
“We have amazing fans, I can only say fantastic things about them especially because you see the real fans when the moments are not good. When that has happened, we’ve had amazing fans behind us, pushing us and supporting us.”
“So we have absolutely amazing fans, but what I feel is that Sunday is a special match for us and a special match for the Manchester United fans so my invitation is don’t come to the theatre, come to play and come to play with us.”