JOSE MOURINHO has hit back at criticism surrounding his development of youth players by taking credit for the progression of Scott McTominay and Raphael Varane.
The Tottemham boss has regularly been criticised for opting to spend big money rather than develop some of the younger players at the clubs he’s been at.
Mourinho worked with McTominay during his time in charge at Old TraffordCredit: AFP or licensors
Real Madrid ace Raphael Varane was another Mourinho coached as a youngsterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Mourinho responded to the criticism in sarcastic fashion: “Yes, it’s very important.
“Scott McTominay only the best player at Manchester United.
“Raphael Varane is one of the best players in the world. It’s fair criticism, yeah.’
During his Real Madrid stint, Mourinho signed Varane when he was 18 and the French defender has gone on to become one of the best centre-backs in the world.
McTominay, 23, was given his United debut by Mourinho and is now a key figure in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
SunSport exclusively revealed this week that the Red Devils are ready to double his salary with a new contract.
At the time of McTominay’s debut, Mourinho said: “I always say that for me there are not young players or old players.
“It is just about the quality of the personality and this kid has everything that I want.
“So I think that it is good for the younger boys in the academy to look at him as an example of player.”
McTominay has said of their relationship: “I feel Mourinho saw something in me at a time some people did and some people didn’t, and I’m grateful.”
Mourinho has given opportunities to the likes of Casemiro, Alvaro Morata, and Mario Balotelli during his managerial career and he is keen to give the youngsters at Spurs a go as he looks to remove the reputation he’s got of not giving youth a fair chance.
Tottenham beat Burnley 5-0 last weekend and Mourinho gave a Premier League debut to 17-year-old Troy Parrott and also brought on Oliver Skipp and Ryan Sessengnon who are both 19.
Since taking over from Mauricio Pochettino last month, Mourinho has won four of his five games in charge.
Spurs travel to Bayern Munich tonight in the Champions League but have already secured qualification into the last-16.
Mourinho gave Troy Parrott his Premier League debut against BurnleyCredit: AFP
José Mourinho compares Son wonder-goal vs Burnley to legendary Ronaldo Nazário strike for Barcelona
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
