Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has opened up about the recent tribulations facing his close ally Sam Allardyce.

Big Sam, as he is fondly referred to, lost his job as England manager earlier this week after just 67 days in charge. The ex-Sunderland boss was found in the center of a newspaper sting that exposed him giving advice on how to get around the FA transfer rules. But speaking ahead of their Europa League fixture against Zorya Luhansk, Mourinho revealed that the Big Sam scandal would not affect his relationship with the outspoken manager. He told Sky Sports News.

''The only thing I can say is that I like Sam, I feel sorry for that because I know that was a dream job,

''I feel very sorry for it. The second thing is what happened obviously is not going to interfere in any way my relationship with him,

''I like him and I respected him before and that isn’t going to change. This is between him and the FA. I have nothing to say.’’

Sam Allardyce boards a waiting car on his way to vacation after losing the England jobSam Allardyce boards a waiting car on his way to vacation after losing the England jobAllardyce, who boasts of wide experience in the Premier League, now holds the record of the shortest-serving England manager of all time. But on a rather brighter side, he won his first match with the Three Lions against Slovakia, and leaves the office with a 100% record. 

But the former Bolton manager also admitted that he was wrong. He said:

''On reflection it was a silly thing to do, but just to let everybody know I helped out somebody I've known for 30 years,

''Unfortunately it was an error of judgement on my behalf and I've paid the consequences. Entrapment has won on this occasion and I have to accept that,

''The agreement was done very amicably with the FA, I apologise to all those in this unfortunate situation I've put myself in,

''I have a confidentiality agreement and I've taken the time to talk on this matter. I can't answer any more questions now and I'm going to go away and reflect on it.''

Watch the full interview below:

 

 

Match details, result and original broadcast info

Manchester United 1 - 0 Zorya

September 29, 2016 3:05pmOld Trafford (Manchester)

This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.

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