Jose’s Mind Games And Bailly’s Suspension

JOSE’S GAMES

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho wasted little time in starting the mind games against Europa League finalists Ajax. When quizzed about the opponents in Stockholm and his record against them, Mourinho said: “‘(My record against Ajax) means nothing. A final is a final. It will be difficult. (They are a) young team, strong team, (they) finish the league this weekend. From this weekend they will have 12 days to prepare. We have three matches to play and not many players.’

BAILLY SUSPENDED

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly will miss the final against Ajax on the 24th of May through suspension. It was his second red card in the Europa League after picking up one in the tie against St. Etienne in the round of 32.

SUSPENSION REACTION

Jose Mourinho described Eric Bailly as ‘naïve’ and admitted that his team will miss the big Ivorian’s presence in the final against Ajax. In his post-match comments, Mourinho said: “I didn’t see the incident, but he was phenomenal. The game was emotional until the end for everyone. Some kept control in better ways than others. “I don’t know but I think it was with Roncaglia, right? Roncaglia’s not new to these kinds of situations and probably Eric was a bit naive. We lose a very important player for the final and we don’t have many.” Rio Ferdinand claimed that Bailly will lose sleep over the fact that he will miss a European Finale.

MAKING A MOVE FOR THE MOVE-MAKER

Manchester United are hoping to recruit the man who brought Dele Alli’s move from MK Dons to Spurs. Paul Mitchell will be leaving Spurs soon after going on gardening leave after handing in his resignation. Now Mitchell is wanted by both Manchester clubs. It has been revealed that United want Mitchell to perform the same kind of role that he performed at Spurs. He also sealed the deals for Sadio Mane, Dejan Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne and Graziano Pelle during his time at Southampton.

THE PASSIONATE ONE

Mourinho at times has been criticized for his passion for the club – or the lack of it. But after last night’s victory over Celta, he left no stone unturned in proving the critics wrong. Jose walked towards the Stretford End. One might have expected him to half-heartedly clap his supports but what he did endeared him to the Stretford End faithful. Armed with a George Best scarf, he swings it around more like a die-hard fan than a manager. The expression on his face will definitely be one of the most iconic images of United in the post-Ferguson era.

FELLAINI TIME

It has been proved that Fellaini has semi-finals for breakfast. Fellaini has now scored in the FA Cup semi-finals against Everton last season, then followed it up with his goal against Hull in the EFL Cup semis this term. He followed those up with his crucial goal last night against Celta. Again in the semi-finals.